IT’S OKAY NOT TO BE OKAY

IT’S OKAY NOT TO BE OKAY

I painted on my smile today,
So no one knew I’d lost my way,
I laughed at things I didn’t hear,
And swallowed back another tear.

They asked me if I felt alright,
I said, “Of course,” and held on tight,
For sometimes truth is hard to say,
When you are simply not okay.

I wore my brave face like a dress,
To hide the pain and all the mess,
But buttons burst and stitches tear,
When hearts are holding too much care.

Some days I cannot face the sun,
Or finish things I’ve just begun,
Some days the smallest thing can be
A mountain standing over me.

But I am not a broken soul,
Because some days I’m far from whole,
A flower does not bloom each day,
Yet no one throws the flower away.

So let me sit inside my rain,
And do not rush to mend my pain,
Just hold my hand and let me know,
You’ll still be there when shadows go.

I may be quiet, I may cry,
I may not even tell you why,
But tears are words the heart will say,
When lips can’t find another way.

It’s okay not to be okay,
Tomorrow is another day,
And if tomorrow hurts me too,
I’ll still be here—and so will you.