I often find it difficult to communicate my feelings. When I try to speak my feelings, I get so flustered from all of the emotions and fear of rejection, that I cannot put into words anything coherent.

Poetry is one way that I express myself. Even if I don't share the poem with anyone, it allows me to put that feeling on paper. When I re-read the poem, I am able to analyze the emotion better, and, hopefully, understand it better. It doesn't ease the emotion, but helps me understand myself.


Hiding

I have to hide my feelings.
I must not let them show.
Push the pain down hard enough,
And nobody will know.

I have to keep my mouth shut.
I dare not say a word.
If thoughts are never spoken,
The pain cannot be heard.

I have to hold the tears back.
I must not let them flow.
Build a dam inside my heart,
And let the cold wind blow.

I have to keep the anger
Locked way down deep in me.
Look away, and swallow hard,
And throw away the key.

I have to keep my mask up.
I must not let it fall.
Paint a smile upon my face,
And hide behind my wall.