Swallow my sadness
like it is a pill.
Exposing my heart
I stumble, it spills.

Swift hollow dulled pain,
consuming my chest.
My smile shining bright,
inside I need rest.

Shadow of my soul
haunts me to the core.
The more I receive
further, I deplore.

Wallow in dim pride,
a well-disguised ploy.
To keep worries far,
behave like a toy.

Mirrored reflection,
intently I stare.
See my younger self,
then whisper I care.

Summon inner strength,
demand it to stay,
command it to grow,
with each passing day.

– Grace Y. Estevez-Reddy