Still Here, Somehow

Woke up tired of waking up again. Same ceiling, same thoughts,

same questions in my head. Smile for the people, but it's heavy

in my chest. I carry every failure like it's etched into my breath.

Family photos feel like evidence of moments I was present, but my heart

was somewhere else. Trying to be strong, trying not to crack

but the weight of being me that keeps bending my back. I did what

I was told, played the role. Built a life, paid the toll. Still feel empty

in the places they said success would make me whole. I keep asking