Smiles, don’t cuss, don’t be sad—sounds like a good plan.
“Son, we gotta make sure you’re the example of a good man.“

Men don’t cry, don’t complain.
Realistically, every day, we need you to feel the same.

You’re the happiness the family depends on—
But I’m only a boy; I just wanted to play ding-dong

And ditch, leave behind feelings of darkness, with a dash of inadequacy
From ever being instilled in me.

Searching for a safe place, looking for an outlet,
Met with, “smile and stand up straight, be our little puppet.”

Oblivious to the chaos brewing within,
Blindly running toward oblivion