The Weight I Carried Quietly

I carried storms

that weren't mine to hold,

Wounds stitched in silence,

hearts bought, not sold.

They smiled in sun,

while I drowned in their rain,

Wearing their sorrow

like it was my chain.

I bore their anger,

I hid their flaws,

I played their peace

without applause.

Their demons whispered

through my sleep,

While they found joy,

I fell too deep.

Why?

Because I loved.

Because I cared

In ways they never

even dared.

But did they lift

what crushed my chest?

No—just praised

how I still looked "blessed."

Their love was wrapped

in empty sound,

All "I'm here for you"

when they weren't around.

They called it loyalty

I called it weight.

And still I stayed,

though it felt like fate.

But now

I drop the load,

I cut the rope,

I burn the guilt,

I choose my hope.

No more being

the quiet shore,

For tides that never

ask "what for?"

So hear me loud

or watch me go,

I'm done with pain

you'll never know.

I'm not your healer,

not your shell,

I've got my fire,

I've got myself.

Let me grieve

for what I gave,

But not return

to being brave.

Just once, I'll choose

my soul's release

I'll choose my breath,

I'll choose my peace.