What Happiness Hides

We laugh loud so no one hears the sobs in our silence. We dance like freedom lives in us, When sometimes we feel like prisoners of our own mind. We post smiles, quotes, and fire emojis, While hiding battles we’re too tired to explain. We show the highlight reel— But the bloopers hurt more than the world knows. I’ve seen bright eyes dim behind the scenes, Hearts that scream while saying “I’m okay.” And I’ve been one of them. Happiness hides in the shadows of pain, In the jokes told just to keep from crying, In the "I’m good" sent at 3am with tired thumbs And trembling hearts. So if you see someone glowing, Don’t assume they’re fine. Sometimes the brightest souls Burn the fastest just to shine. Be kind. Be present. Be real. Because what happiness hides Is often the very thing That needs healing the most.