I’m not crying, not a teardrop
I’m not hurting, I refuse
Though my eyes and throat are burning
But that still is no excuse
I’m not crying, I can take it
I’m a winner, I’m not weak
Please don’t ask me any questions
I prefer now not to speak
I’m not crying, this I tell you
And I tell it to myself
I put feelings and emotions
Way up there on the top shelf
Hard to reach and very fragile
For some time that’s where they’ve been
And though many see me smiling
I’ve been crying from within.

Wendy Nipas