Work, work, work—endless, no pause, 
Burdened by deadlines, my spirit withdraws. 
Each effort I give, met with silence and doubt, 
A heart worn to fragments, feeling burned out. 

If I were to vanish, would anyone care? 
Just another cog in this unforgiving glare. 
Stress builds like shadows, consuming my breath, 
Anxiety whispers, “You’re running to death.” 

Mask on in public, concealing my pain, 
A smile painted bright while I silently strain. 
But when night falls, I shed this disguise, 
In the arms of my loved ones, where truth never lies. 
Finding solace in laughter, in moments we share, 
Pushing through the darkness, finding light in their care. 
Another day looms, but I’ll keep fighting still, 
For love’s gentle presence ignites my will.  

~ Written by K.inthia