My heart aches loud with things I cannot fight,

Like trying to breathe in rooms without light.

Why can’t I be seen, why can’t I be understood,

When all I’ve ever done is try to be good?

I reach for a life that feels like it’s mine,

But the walls close in, drawing invisible lines.

I dream of freedom, yet feel so confined,

Like my own reflection is hard to define.

I fall into pieces when I’m meant to stand tall,

Smiling in daylight while breaking at all.

And those I hope would feel what I don’t say,

Still miss the language in the silence I lay.

They say “Asiyah is strong,” as if that makes it light,

As if strength means I don’t cry at night.

But strength is just learning to carry the pain,

While hoping tomorrow won’t feel the same.

Still here I am, with a heart that feels worn,

Quietly healing in places torn.

And all I can say is goodnight,

To the battles I fought out of sight.

I’ll lay down my thoughts, let silence remain,

And try to wake up whole again.

A. Noor✍️