Step 1: Smile.
Step 2: Forget why.
Step 3: Keep your voice steady
when your soul is not.
Step 4: Pretend it’s fine.
(Everyone else is.)

Step 5: Fold your feelings
into paper birds.
Set them loose.
Watch them burn mid-air.
Clap softly.
Repeat.

There is no final step.
You just keep going
until you don’t know
what breaking feels like anymore.

touching it is
hearing the song
still standing strong
but this is a trap
cause rap you love
don't blame above

the singer sings
an angel, no wings
brave she is
a crowd doesn't sit

she continues on
singing with her voice
hearing that note
frozen like a bot
quiet I got

eyes from side
to side
that's when I know
panicking slow
I no longer frown

stop it
no tears
I have no fear

weak I am
please
don’t see me ma’am

rubbing my eyes...
nothing happened
right?
I am strong
won’t lose for long

Breathing through my eyes
Hearing through my skin
Feeling through my ears
You open my senses
And you ain’t even here
I’d probably be able to taste the air
If you were near