Heartaches Mask

In silence deep, I silently reside, A weight upon my soul, I can't hide. I yearn to shield my friends from my despair, Yet drowning in this sea, it's hard to bear. A burden heavy, I fear to impose, On those whose love, like a river, flows. But in the depths of darkness, I am lost, My heart's a tempest, an ocean tempest-tossed. I long to wear a mask, to play the part, To spare them from the storm that grips my heart. Yet underneath this facade, I'm slowly sinking, Invisible chains of sorrow, ever-linking. But friends are anchors, in the tempest's gale, They see beyond the mask, when faces pale. They offer hands, though I may not reach out, In their love, I find strength, dispelling doubt. So, though I fear to burden, to confide, In friendship's light, I'll find a place to hide. Together we'll navigate this stormy sea, For in their love, I'll find the strength to be me.