Bruised in the Mind’s Corner

Bruised in the Mind’s Corner

She wears her smile

like borrowed light,

a flicker that hides

the tremble beneath.

The world calls her strong,

but strength is a costume,

stitched with expectation,

tight around the heart.

She collects small victories,

getting out of bed,

talking to strangers,

breathing without fear.

Still, the night whispers,

you are too much,

and not enough,

all at once.

She answers it softly,

you do not know me,

I am learning to stay,

even when it hurts.