Cares so much for how she is seen,
ignoring her heart and her needs.
Perfection has no in-between,
searching for nods to then proceed.

Her life is just a giant screen,
formed by high hopes that must succeed.
Every smile worn creates a scene,
assuring she is well received.

Inside she feels like a machine,
no longer sure if she could bleed.
Her empty eyes fill with saline,
as swallowed tears water her seed.

She takes a breath to feel serene,
then promises to not concede.
An inner sparkle intervenes,
so that her soul can take the lead.

A future painted fresh and clean,
so self assured her goals exceed.
She only says the words she means,
so her actions could not mislead.

She builds a throne, sits like a queen,
a higher joy is guaranteed.
Pure honesty is her routine,
all prior anchors have been freed.

– Grace Y. Estevez – Reddy