I MUST

I have got to be strong, my knees cannot buckle under this pressure
I must be strong, these legs cannot tire
I just have to be strong, this stomach will fill with determination
Lord, i must be strong, these muscles will ignore exhaustion
I have to be strong, this throat will long for no water
I must be strong, these lips will moisten with saliva
This mouth will remain 'shut' to complaining
So no one can smell my inner suffering.

I have to be strong, this smile will hide the storm boiling coldly within
And these eyes will not be a window of what lies under this burning skin.

These beasts within will remain hidden.