I remember the pain of a fake smile,

March 21

I remember the pain of a fake smile,
The effort it took to maintain,
The fear of it slipping without
Me even realizing.

But a fake smile can also
Be a badge of courage, of honour.
It says, I am in this world,
But it is not for me.

A fake smile is a sign
To those who know
That we want and need more
Than we have been given.

I have learned that a fake smile
Is a placeholder, a temporary expression
Until the world comes to us and says,
We've been waiting for you. Come home.

Persevere. Nothing worthwhile is easy.
But you're fucking worth it.