The Mask I Wear

“Yeah... mm... I smile, but it’s not me...”

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I laugh the loudest in the room, they think I’m fine

But inside it’s cold, like winter froze my mind

They say “you always bring the light,”

But I’ve been drowning every night

And no one sees what’s underneath these tired eyes

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This is the mask I wear, yeah

Smiles stitched with silent tears

Acting strong so they don’t see

That I’m breakin’ quietly

This is the mask I wear, oh

No one knows I’m barely there

I joke around to hide the pain

While the storm inside remains

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Yeah...

Cracked mirror, can’t look too long

I talk in memes, write pain in songs

They say “you good?”—I play along

But my soul’s been missin’, somethin’s wrong

Heart’s on airplane mode, I’m ghostin' sleep

Smile for the ‘Gram, but I’m six feet deep

My DMs are full but I feel alone

In a house full of noise, but it ain’t a home

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I wish someone would ask me twice...

Not just “you good?” then walk on by

Look in my eyes... and stay awhile

Maybe then... I’d drop the smile

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This is the mask I wear, yeah

Held together by thin air

Acting strong, I play the part

While I’m bleeding in the dark

This is the mask I wear, oh

Laughter hides the deep despair

Don’t you see the cracks appear?

Or am I just not that clear?

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...It’s easier this way...

...Ain’t it?