Smile

do not tell me to smile

           I'm screaming out 

   and I haven’t slept in a while.

   you have no power over me

     my body is rightfully mine; 

 stored away from you, under lock and key.

do not tell me to smile 

my emotions are clear and free.

I am my own person,  

  and I belong to me.

        do not tell me to smile

  I am screaming out

 and I haven’t slept in an awfully long while. 

Reviews

[barleygirl]

I can relate to this message . . . I hate it when people tell you to smile, or don't cry, or look at the bright side, or WHATEVER!!!! You've shown us here that your feelings are authentic & to be respected, not fixed. This is such an important thing to learn about life.

[Davidgeo]

You write like someone I used to know. You're much darker though this time.

I don't have a critique for you. It was nice to read you.

[EnglishMajor55]

I love this...don't tell me to smile, don't tell me to cheer up. People can't just be happy constantly... people grow and learn through sadness and disappointment - you have to take the good with the bad. I love how stubborn and straight forward your words are.

[Relic]

I hear your words in the grip of frustration. That's the type of thing that can well up inside you when you can see the artificial advise given by others.

[Nani Mino]

fantastic words . i love it

[Alias]

I really like the rawness and the message in this one. The 3rd stanza flows and sticks especially well, the other stanzas are perhaps less effective as they read a little clumsily compared to the 3rd. Keep at it good work!

[AaronFreitas]

I like this one... taking that power back and doing exactly what you want to do. I am not one that can flash a fake smile and pretend... I'm a "do not tell me to smile" kind of person too :)