We don’t expose ourselves to the lights.
We don’t show our vulnerabilities in a world full of pretense.
We don’t mind giggling and being all cheerful.
And, cover our pain.
We smile, hiding our tears saving them for past nights.
We don’t complain about the issues in our lives.
We don’t explain the complications we face.
We don’t comprehend the losses we suffer.
We don’t utter a word about the tragedy we endure.
The trauma that holds us back!
Why do we do so?
Why do we hide?
Why do we keep silent before dissolving ourselves?!
Because this world is full of distrust and
People do not understand you.
Because they pretend to have sympathy, but they lack empathy,
and they do it for their own sake.
They are happy to see your downfall.
People here and there are always judging you.
People become the judge of your life, show
without witnessing the hell you went through,
And, anyway, you don’t really intend to
Show them what you have gone through.
You keep your burden buried within you.
You treasure your sufferings within you.
And, with a winning smile, you forget to whine whimsically.
Because you are a wonderful work of art that everyone else puts their gaze on!
You have understood that only you can
Take yourself higher, and you can uplift yourself!
You know now that only you are your own best friend who
desires your well-being and cheers for you!
So, friend, move on. It’s your day.
Gather all the smothered pieces of you.
A broken mirror can’t be repaired, but a beautiful showpiece can be made from it.
Don’t revert or show any remorse, though!
©® Farheen Akter Bhuian Nancy
Circa 2023, Rokeya Hall, DU