You see me smiling
Being a chatterbox
Tackling projects and goals
You don’t see
The panicked moments
Tears streaming down
Feeling like a failure
You see many who know me
Who say kind words
And my gratitude for that
You don’t see
Me wondering if they truly like me
If I look like a fool
Still feeling like the loneliest person in the world
You see me playing Aunty
To so many precious ones
Whom I all love dearly
You don’t see
My worry they will one day
Not want me anymore or
Be embarrassed by who I am
You see me work hard
Try to make a difference
And be better every day
What you don’t see
Is the girl who feels like nothing she does matters
That despite all my efforts
My existence is meaningless
You see me advocate
For those who have no voice
Or need someone to walk beside them
What you don’t see
Are the voices saying nothing will change
The bitterness of the fight
Screaming into the void with frustration
You see me stand strong
Fight each day to be okay
And live authentically
What you don’t see
Is the fear of being vulnerable
Of how I will be perceived
Wondering if I’m a laughing stock
All these things and more, you don’t see