Have you ever felt trapped behind metal bars,

Or watched all your cuts turn to scars?

Have you tried to escape the pain in your soul,

But you just couldn’t seem to fit that hole?

Have you got so worried you started to shake, 

Or felt too weak to be awake?

Have you been so mad you started to cry,

Or used a smile as a lie?

Have you lost who you are way down deep,

Or unsure of which secrets to keep?

Have you felt your heart pound and pound,

Or hear a dull ringing sound?

Have you felt the internal cold,

Or felt like life was too much to hold? 

Life beats you down to the ground, 

And then so quickly turns around. 

Sadness is always okay.

I promise you, it will get better someday.

Have you felt the joy of living, 

And all and everything the world is giving? 

It’s when you feel the sun against your cheek,

Or thank God for each & every week.

It’s when you laugh so hard you began to snort,

Or lean on your best friend for support.

It’s when you dance your heart out in the rain,

Or achieve your goal through the pain.

It’s when you smile so hard it starts to hurt,

Or when that special person begins to flirt. 

It’s the warmth and comfort of your room,

Or the beauty of flowers that bloom.

It’s everything that fills your heart,

Even after you fell apart.

It’s the little things that help you cope,

And let you know there’s always hope.

Amanda Ricci