NAVIGATING SHADOWS

"I chose this path, with dreams aglow, Convinced my family, I'd make it show. But in hallowed halls, where minds should grow, I see the darkness that few may know. Dirty tricks and secrets whispered low, Illicit ties that bind and slowly show. The facade of friendship, a disguise so thin, Conceals the envy, the malice within. Grown-ups' deceit, friendships turned around, Left out and alone, with sparks that shine. Endless efforts, met with blame's cold sign, Suffocation grips, in this endless grind. The laughter echoes, a mocking sound, As anxiety and stress wrap me around. Depression's weight, a burden I bear, A life I once desired, now hard to share. The campus walls, a prison to my soul, A place where dreams should bloom, but darkness takes control. I yearn to break free, to flee this place, To leave behind the toxic, poisonous space. I don't want to be here, I want to run, I don't want to belong, I'm done. I just want to vanish, erase my existence too, But this is reality, and I can't break through. But fears and doubts, they linger on, And I'm trapped, in this never-ending dawn. Their eyes, devoid of empathy or care, A reflection of the hearts that are bare.