Quiet Screams

I am the portrait of strength. They say
Rooted deep, a symbol of courage
Bound to flourish, as I shield and provide
As I guide and guard.

Is it true, or just what my papa said?
I am a man. I am unyielding stone – a fortress
A heart of steel. I stand alone
Never tremble, wink, or weep,
My resolve runs far too deep.
But tell me, does it feel right?

Why is the silence of my sleepless nights eating me up,
Consuming me till cold sweats make me pant?
I feel I have a burden I dare not share,
So I wear a mask, to protect you…you
For you dare not see the sadness in my eyes.

I’m fine—so they must see:
Work thrives, dreams bend their knees,
Yesterday- applause; today, a gleaming Porsche.
Tomorrow, vows to the one I adore.
Living the dream—the perfect dream,
Yet behind the facade, I’m losing my mind.

A smile I craft, a glow I fake,
To hide the storm I cannot shake.
For if I crumble, what will they say?
That I am lazy – unfit to stay.

But I am not broken—I am a man,
And here I must stand.
Caught in a tide I cannot explain.
A silent ache, a nameless pain.

Can you hear me if I confess
This weight I carry, this vast distress?
Can you understand this quiet scream?
This shadowed fight against unseen streams?

I cannot cry, for I am a man,
Yet I wonder—how long can I withstand?
For the edge seems closer every day,
I am trying to be strong, to be the man I was taught to be,
But I’m losing my grip…For the screams are too loud.