I see all kinds of people walking by,

but none of them show what they truly feel deep inside.

I see people getting where they need to be by car, by bus, by plane,

leaving behind those days that made them feel a little less insane.

I see people laughing, smiling, showing their desired perception through a filter,

not letting those heavy, ugly emotions that bring vulnerability and shame wither,

the bonds and relationships they’d kill to protect,

forgetting that with all this effort they begin to self-neglect.

I see people powering through those days that bring burden onto their shoulders,

forgetting that it was them that once moved those boulders

that led them to the achievements they’ve always wanted,

but with all that self-destruction, you’ve now left your house haunted. 

I see people putting their own needs behind what others want, 

leading to you pleasing others, for them to taunt.

But when will you begin to please yourself?

To be human isn’t to be perfect or free from all flaws,

it's to accept who you are now, regardless of the cracks or the verbal applause.

I see you now, acknowledging the voice inside that you’ve continued to ignore,

let it out of the cage you’ve created, allow it to love you like you have never before.