“Smile for the camera.”

Any given moment is spent holding back tears

I’m barely breathing

The days keep coming

The weight is never-ending

Yes, I laughed a few moments ago

And it was genuine

But the moment is over now

I miss being able to sit in moments

But the years keep coming

“Let’s try another pose.”

I used to cry on my birthdays

I still do sometimes

Where is the joy in growing up

In a world where I feel invisible

“Do you want to take a look?”

I really like how you can’t tell

That I’m barely holding it together

And I’m a huge fan of the way

The shadows hide my eyes

“Do you want to take any more?”

I’m sure there’s joy somewhere

To be found

I just haven’t slept in ages

And I’m using my only day off

To take pictures

Just so I can remind everyone

That I’m growing up