the strong one

being the one who doesn’t fall apart
is not the same as being strong.

it means nobody checks on you.
it means when you go quiet
people assume you’re busy.

they built a version of you that doesn’t need anything
and then they got comfortable.
and the worst part is you helped.
you were proud of it.

i don’t know how to tell people i’m tired
because i taught them all that i never am.