Hidden Talents

It's hard to breathe sometimes,
but easy to break down.
Anxiety holds me tighter
than anyone ever has.
It's tough to smile and laugh
constantly, publicly.
But it's easier than crumbling
into a mess.


Crying has become a hidden talent
because silence is contagious.
If I screamed any louder,
perhaps I'd make a noise
and you would hear me
before I completely
run out of breath
this time.


Alone.
But never quite alone.
Never quiet.
Never silent in my silence.
Never safe.
Never free.
Always trapped,
silently.