The Quiet Storm

I feel it all.. the highs, the lows.. The silent grief that never shows. I smile like I’ve not seen the fire.. But flames still flicker beneath the wire. I play it cool, a practiced game.. While inside burns a nameless flame. A storm of thoughts, both sharp and deep.. That churns beneath what looks like sleep. I’ve danced through hell at a steady pace.. And wore the ashes on my face. I hinder battles with all my might.. And still, I choose to walk in light. I don’t just sense.. I see intent.. The words unsaid, the energy spent. I watch the shift in subtle air.. And feel deceit before it’s there. A sponge for pain that isn’t mine.. Yet I stay silent, calm, benign. I carry weight that none can see.. But never let it bury me. I know the dark, I’ve been its guest.. And laid my head upon its chest. It whispered truths that left me raw.. But I arose, and still chose more. So if you think I’m just composed.. A heart untouched, a mind that's closed.. Know this.. I’ve weathered storms unknown.. And built my strength whilst being alone. I read the room, I feel the spin.. I know the war that hides within. Yet still I lead with courage, not spite.. A quiet storm that walks in light.