ReubenSipho

I have been strong with every breath I take
A fortress of resilience despite the heartache
Beneath the surface a tempest within my soul
But outwardly I wear a mask a story left untold

I have been strong when darkness threatened to consume
I searched for a flicker of hope to light up the gloom
Through affliction and persecution I stood tall
With every battle fought I refused to fall

I have been strong shielding my misfortune and strife
Determined to paint a picture of strength in this life
Yet deep within the wounds still raw and sore
Behind closed doors tears fell but I bore

I have been strong though weakness coursed through my veins
An internal struggle where vulnerability remains
But I carried on for there was no other choice
To find solace in silence to drown out the noise

I have been strong even when all strength had waned
A battered heart a spirit bruised but not restrained
For there is power in rising from the dust
To muster courage to rebuild to adjust

I have been strong though hiding behind a façade
The burden felt heavy yet I carried the load
But now I realize strength lies in vulnerability’s embrace
To let go of the mask to reveal my true face

So I stand here no longer just strong but free
To acknowledge the struggles to let my true self be
For true strength lies not in feigned certainty
But in the courage to show my vulnerability