School Sanctuary

I hide my soul in these crowded hallways I smile and wear my mask. You see me smiling and laughing A result of the suppressed hurt inside. I bury my heart in these heavy textbooks Forget my scars as the bell rings; Forget the self-loathing that still burns my wrists. I escape reality with each friend I greet But the solitude returns when the door closes as the final bell rings. I leave myself locked in classrooms Throw the key under essays and calculus assignments Smile as my final tears of the day shimmer unseen by those who pass.