The Cracks You Don't See

You think you see pain—

but not from a hard life,

but by, perceptions…

Cracks that grow unseen,

from others’ thoughts, impressions

…that don't reflect me.

Other cracks formed by

smashing into walls placed by

Society’s castes;

moats that seem thin and

shallow to the privileged eye,

yet blocks my journey.

Cracks you cannot see,

in souls reduced to puppets,

whose threads strain and unravel.

The cracks you don’t see,

forge resilience in spirit,

but weary the flesh.

The cracks you don’t see

are the American dream

fading out of reach.