Underneath

Underneath this smile
lies a broken heart,
that is tired... so tired
of being ripped apart.

Underneath the laughter,
lies hurt and pain,
the kind that time
cannot heal or tame.

Underneath the strength you see,
lies fears deeply embedded in,
the kind you grasp tightly,
and find hard to set free.

Underneath this grown body,
There lies a small child
still struggling to be a woman,
not sure of where to go or
who to be.

Underneath this harshness,
lies a warm loving heart,
wanting to be given away,
but too afraid to start.

I want to just be me,
let it all out,
let it all show,
For the world see..

Release my fears,
my broken dreams,
bottled anxieties,
and all the hidden tears.

Afraid of being vulnerable,
afraid to jump from my shell,
I'll remain still,
and live a life of hell.