The Things I Don’t Say

By Momoh Oluwateniola 

There are so many things I don’t say,

so many feelings 

 hidden behind “I’m fine”

and quiet smiles

 that no one questions.

Because sometimes,

it’s easier to pretend

than to explain the 

weight in my chest.

Some nights feel heavier than others,

like the world is asking too much

 from me all at once.

The expectations, the pressure, the fear of failing, they sit with me in silence,

louder than any noise.

I think about who I am becoming,

and if I am even getting it right.

If all these struggles mean something,

or if I’m just moving in circles,

trying so hard not to fall apart.

But even in all this,

there’s a small part of me

that refuses to give up.

A quiet strength I don’t talk about,

a hope that stays

even when everything feels uncertain.

Maybe healing is not loud,

maybe strength is not always seen.

Maybe it’s in waking up every day

and choosing to try again,

even when your heart feels tired.

So I keep going,

not because it’s easy,

but because somewhere deep inside,

I believe that one day

all of this will make sense.

And I will look back at myself and say

“I made it through

the things I never spoke about.”