overcompensations

carefully crafted smiles that squeeze the eyes shut.

nervous laughs masking trembling hands.

chasing down too many shows and series.

desperate measures to fall asleep at night.

gulping down air and holding it all in.

caustic remarks hurled around.

dishevelled and impulsive poems.

robust cheers and steely glares, silence and suppressed opinions.

playing a soft tune when the hands would rather break all keys.

calling names to yourself, about things that weren't yours.

that aren't yours but will be, for others.