More than my reflection

They tell me my brown curls look perfect in the light,

Green eyes shining bright like everything’s alright.

Compliment my white smile, say I’m glowing these days,

But they don’t see the battles hidden underneath the praise.

These stretch marks tell stories that my lips don’t explain,

Little reminders of the nights I carried all this pain.

I’m the loudest in the room, always making people laugh,

Turning hurt into punchlines while I’m hiding behind a mask.

‘Cause my brown curly hair and these green eyes don’t define me,

These stretch marks and this smile don’t show what’s behind me.

You see laughter, I see battles that I’m fighting every day,

Still choosing to get up, still finding better ways.

I’m not perfect, but I’m trying—that’s the truest part of me,

Healing from the hurt inside while becoming who I’ll be.

I get defensive sometimes just to keep my heart safe,

Built walls from old wounds that I still learn to face.

I’ve made mistakes, I’ve stumbled, but I’m trying every day,

Learning growth isn’t a finish line—it’s choosing a better way.

So if I joke when I’m hurting, don’t mistake it for peace,

I’m still learning how to let my heavy feelings breathe.

‘Cause my brown curly hair and these green eyes don’t define me,

These stretch marks and this smile don’t show what’s behind me.

You see laughter, I see battles that I’m fighting every day,

Still choosing to get up, still finding better ways.

I’m not perfect, but I’m trying—that’s the truest part of me,

Healing from the hurt inside while becoming who I’ll be.

I’m more than what you see.

More than the smile I wear.

Just a soul learning to heal,

One day at a time.