It’s Not Okay to Cry

Sadness wells up in my heart,

slipping through the cracks.

My chest and throat tighten.

It feels like I'm drowning,

but there's no water in sight.

I can't breathe, or speak.

I know the words,

but they get pushed away,

pushed further and further away.

I keep pushing my friends,

my family

further and further away.

All I want is for someone to hold me close,

a shoulder to cry on.

I want someone to look me in the eye,

and say, "I know you're hurting."

"I know you feel sad."

"It's okay to be sad."

"It's okay to cry!"

I look around,

but no one is there,

and the silence is heart-breaking.

Sinking to my knees in defeat,

I whisper,

"I know I'm hurting."

"I know I feel sad."

"It's okay to be sad,

but it's not okay to cry."