A masked soul

A soul trapped in expectations, A heart that beats with hidden tears, A life lived for others' happiness, While mine withers through the years. They think I'm perfect, a flawless kid, But little do they know the pain I hid, The scars that mar my inner self, The cries that echo, no one else. My family sees a heartless face, But I'm a storm of emotions, a fragile place, Every little thing, a piercing dart, A sensitive soul, torn apart. My brother knows my secret strife, But keeps it locked, a silent life, I'm lost in duty, a role to play, A caregiver, while I wither away. People like us, imperfect and real, Embracing flaws, our true appeal, Imperfections beautiful, a work of art, A soul that's mine, not a manufactured heart. Marriage, a scam, a game of chance, A risk of heartache, a lifelong dance, Freedom's call, a yearning deep, To break free from societal sleep. I'm manipulative, or so I think, A straightforward heart, with emotions that sink, An empath's curse, a vulnerable soul, A struggle to put myself whole. Self-worth issues, a constant fight, A 24-year-old's quest for inner light, One day, I'll rise, and take my stand, And learn to love myself, hand in hand. Until then, I'll wear this mask, A shield to hide my true task, To find my voice, my inner strength, And shatter expectations' length.