Bitter Sweet Adventures

Tears

In shadows' clutch, I stand so scared,

Terrified, my soul laid bare,

A heavy load of anxiety I wear,

My heart eroding, tears declare.

I know I shouldn't worry so,

The outcomes clear, as time will show,

But still, I tremble, tears overflow,

My life's path hinges on this plateau.

"You Asians," they taunt and jest,

"Just a test, don't be so stressed,"

But they don't grasp, this weight compressed,

Within my dreams, it's all obsessed.

Judgments sting, like bitter rain,

A hurricane of doubt and pain,

Small things to them, but to explain,

This test's importance is hard to contain.

I fear to fail, to let them down,

Carry the weight of their disappointed frown,

Yet beyond their vision, I have my own crown,

I yearn to fly, to reach my own renown.

In despair, these walls enclose,

My pain concealed, nobody knows,

I'm a mess inside, emotions in throes,

But for them, I'll pretend, strength I pose.

For friends in need, I'll be the crutch,

Though they were absent when I needed much,

"No expectations," I say, but such,

Pressure mounts as my heart feels crushed.

The "perfect example," they want to see,

But I'm not a flawless entity,

Behind this mask, I yearn to be free,

For my reflection is no longer me.

In darkness' embrace, I find relief,

My tears a stream, a way to release grief,

I know I'm far from a masterpiece,

Yet still, I hold a heart that beats.

So let me weep and let me heal,

To mend the wounds that none can feel,

In my vulnerability, I reveal,

A strength that's genuine and real.