When She Breaks

They say "You've made it this far" Like that means I can't

fall apart

Like every scar

Is evidence

That I can take

Another hit

I learned to smile With shaking hands Learned how to say "I

understand"

But something underneath my skin

Is getting tired

Of being quiet

Don't ask me

For one more day

Don't tell me

I'll be okay

YOU DON'T WANNA SEE WHEN SHE BREAKS When every little thing She

swallowed Finds a voice WHEN SHE BREAKS No pretty tears No graceful

pain Just every scream She buried COMING OUT AT ONCE I kept

the peace I bit my tongue

Made myself small

For everyone

Held every door

Carried every weight

And somehow I'm still asked to stay

You call me strong

I hate that word You only say it When you need more

Don't touch me

Don't say my name

I can't hold

Another thing

YOU DON'T WANNA SEE

WHEN SHE BREAKS When every little thing She swallowed Finds a voice

WHEN SHE BREAKS No pretty tears No graceful pain Just every scream

She buried

COMING OUT AT ONCE I was good.

I was patient.

I was quiet.

I was grateful.

I was everything

You needed me to be.

... Wasn't I?

THEN WHY

WAS IT

NEVER

ENOUGH?

I'M TIRED OF SURVIVING JUST TO PROVE I CAN

I'M TIRED OF BLEEDING AND CALLING IT STRENGTH YOU WANTED STRONG?

HERE.

LOOK AT ME.

LOOK WHAT

STRONG BECAME.

NOW YOU GET TO SEE

WHEN SHE BREAKS Every locked-up word Every swallowed sound

Escapes

WHEN SHE BREAKS No more smiling Through the pain You kept asking

How much I could take

NOW YOU KNOW.

Don't call me strong.

Not tonight.