Broken smile

The brightest smiles hide the darkest souls.
 Can you see the blinding smile?
The way her eyes show a moment of vulnerability when she thinks no one is looking.
The tired eyes that have been holding back tears for years, afraid that once they start she would lose herself in the tide. Drowning in her own pain.
The broken smile that lights up your day, she loves the happiness it brings others. Numbing the pain enough for her to smile a little wider.
One of these days she'll grow tired of holding up the weight of the world on her shoulders.
Her knees will buckle and she will fall, her world crumbling around her.
Don't let the smile fool you, she's fighting a war she can't win. A battle against herself, no matter the outcome, she will lose.
A storm raging in the depths of her mind, her heart a raincloud waiting to burst.
She fought well, but eventually even the stars burn out.
When she breaks she will need a shoulder, considering she broke hers'. A steady hand to pull her up, her knees having forgotten how to function.
She's been alone in her battle for a long time now, maybe she'll be just fine without you.
Dear sunshine smile, spring personified, you can let go whenever you want.
There will always be someone to pick you up.
And if there isn't, you will struggle a little longer and teach yourself to walk.
Teach yourself how to be you again.
Maybe you've forgotten over the years, that girl is beautiful.


                                                                     --Ananya Murali