I smile
I greet my coworkers cheerfully
I hug my scholars
Greet them kindly
Teach them
Help them grow
*
But they don’t see
The tiredness
The stress I feel to keep up the cheerful facade
The energy it takes to be present with them
*
I don’t feel depressed
I’m not depressed
But acting extroverted
Drains my body
*
I spend time in my room
Watch TV
Talk online
It helps
Still every day
I reapply my mask firmly
And step into the world
About the Creator
Reb Kreyling
I've been telling stories since I learned to talk and writing them for as long as I can remember. Now I'm also doing content for librarians. Find me on Facebook!
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More stories from Reb Kreyling and writers in Poets and other communities.
Where's the Glory?
In breaking news, rehabilitated Republican Senator Johnnie Johnson (Pronouns: HE, HIM, HIS) called a press conference from the Men’s room of the New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport, Concourse B, across from the Ignatius Reilly’s Lucky Dog stand. The Senator had just returned from a sexual reorientation rehabilitation program in Memphis, TN after being publically disgraced at a Buckee’s Truckstop restroom soliciting sex from an undercover cop three months ago. He is a founding member of the Reformed Christians for Christ, a conservative, pro-family and ex-gay advocacy group. In the spirit of being reborn, Senator Johnson invited reporters to marvel at his plans for a major remodeling of airport bathrooms.
By Cathy Schieffelin5 days ago in Humor
Comments (4)
All the masks we wear. It takes courage to start to build lines in the sand. As in how much we give of ourselves and how much we pull back from people pleasing.... It's a fine line. I relate to your poem SO much!
Hold on, my poor soul. One day the sun will shine. The students feel you and love you. I hope peace will bring you comfort. 🥰
Well written… I’m an extrovert who is typically energised by socialising, but even can suddenly flop, when I get home. How much more so for introverts! 😵💫
Omggg, this was so relatable, especially how being extroverted drains our energy. My social battery depletes veryyyyy fast! 😅😅 Loved your poem! I saw on Krysha's piece that her friend joined Vocal too. So I asked her who you are so that I could subscribe to you and read your work hehehe