The Weight of Midnight

By day I walk with light inside, A smile I wear, a truth I hide. The world believes I’m standing tall, But shadows grow when nightbirds call. I say I’ll live just as I please, With winds that whisper through the trees. Yet at dusk, he haunts my head, And quiet turns to storms instead. Two years I’ve watched the ceiling sky, While others dream, I just survive. No lullabies, no peace to keep, Only thoughts that pierce the veil of sleep. I’ve carried strength in silent ways, Endured the ache of countless days. But courage doesn’t mean no pain, Or that I walk through life unchained. There’s beauty still in breaths I take, Every dawn I do not break. And though the dark still calls my name, I’m here, I stay, I play the game. So if you see me lost, withdrawn, Just know I’m fighting until dawn. And though the night feels endless, true, I write this now… in spite of you.