My walls are cracked and crumbling.

My armor is dirty and dented.

My shield is shattered.

With my defenses gone,

I walk with fake strength.

My head held high,

My hope is that no one sees,

That no one suspects,

Just how empty I am.

But I drop to my knees,

And I sob until my eyes bleed.

I hope that no one sees,

But that turns to dust as someone helps me up.

They leave me though,

And all too soon, I am alone.

My burdens make me stumble and fall,

But I continue on,

Knowing that one day,

It won't be for nothing.