I’m tired but they don’t see it.
They see the grades, the smiles, the wins-
proof that I’m fine, 
proof that I’ll always come through.
But inside, I’m burning out,
holding onto the last flicker of my light.

They say, “You’re so strong, so capable”
like it’s a gift
like it doesn’t weigh more every time they say it.
I nod… I smile… I carry it all- 
their faith, their hopes, their expectations.
It feels like balance until it doesn’t.

Every task feels heavier than the last.
Every praise is a chain I can’t break.
I want to scream, “I’m not okay,”
but the words stick,
because what happens when I’m not enough?​

I keep moving, one step then another,
running on their expectations pretending it’s fuel.
Because the truth is, I don’t know who I am 
             if not the person they believe me to be.

Kyra Johnson