It is too much, 

all too much. 

I hide who I am supposed to be.

I am meant to be more than this. 

Hot tears slip down my checks, inevitably staining my dress.

The colors I had been suppressing seep out. 

The colors I dull so other people can feel better about themselves.

Only alone in the dark can I truly be myself.

People say one day I won’t have to hide, 

but today is not that day, nor is tomorrow.       

Right now. I can cry in the dark. 

Later. I will 

wash these tears, 

dry my face, 

change my dress,

smile, 

and continue this life.