That boy in your class

Who has so many friends.

They whisper secrets into his ear,

And he listens.

That boy who seems to have so much confidence.

That boy has scars

Carving his body

Even his face

But no one seems to notice.

That boy who seems to do so well in school

Everyone copies him.

He hides the hours of effort and tears,

But not out of shame.

It pained him when

Others told him secrets

that were triggering for him.

But he wants to make them happy

And continues to light up their faces.

And his own face-

his face

Is a cascade of bravery

And courage.

He even manages a smile sometimes.

But no one notices the pain

Abuse

Suffering

And mistrust-

in his soft brown eyes.