I cry when I am alone, when I don't think I can stand another moment. With others near, I am a warrior behind a wall of stone; unbreakable, brave, positive, resilient: everything I want them to see. But, I cry sometimes when I am alone. My fortress crashes, pebbles at my feet. 
Pain, frustration, defeat; my misery leaks, overflows, follows cracks eroded by previous tears.
Emotions purged and thoughts collected, I gather the rocks and rebuild the wall. A smile my shield, I carry on. ©️ MARIE DRAKE ...