Hushhhh...

We hide in plain sight and suffer there too.
We know our stereotype, and we know what it takes to cope.

Hushhh...

We know we cannot reveal ourselves or our future is crushed.
Jobs are lost. Families are ashamed.

Hushhhh...

I have heard others refer to silent illnesses,
but the illness screams loud and clear to the bearer, only to be denied a voice.

Hushhhhh...

No one can see. No one can know.
We draw further into ourselves and our own world.

Hushhhh...

Each attempt to reach out becomes another failure.
Protect the lie to survive.

Hushhhh.
Hushhh...
Hushh...