Hiding Tears

A people pleaser will be good at hiding her tears

she will choke back the sobs

until she's red in the face and quietly gasping for air.

She will tell you she's fine,

with tears in her eyes,

so as to not inconvenience you.

She knows she is a burden,

she knows the tears weigh heavy on you if you see them

so she will attempt to swallow them back.

You will not know how long she has been holding a boulder

until her arms break

and her legs give out.

You will not know there was pain here

until all that is left of her is rubble.

She will burn the evidence to the ground

and all you will find in the aftermath

is ash.

She will rise.

With time she will ascend as a phoenix does

and she will reclaim what was taken from her.

But for now,

she will choke back the sobs

as a people pleaser

is good at hiding her tears.