tired of being strong. they say i am strong because i never complain, because i carry my problems and hide my pain. i smile, i laugh, and i say i'm okay, even on the days i'm barely getting through the day. i am always there when someone needs me, offering comfort and helping them see. but sometimes i wonder what it would be like, to have someone stay when my own heart is tired. no one sees the tears i cry at night, or how hard i fight my silent fights. they only see the version of me that survives, not the one struggling just to get by. i'm tired of being the strong one all the time, of pretending that everything is fine. but even with a heavy heart, i still move on, hoping brighter days will come before too long.