*The Shadows Within*

In the depths of my soul, a darkness resides
A weight that's crushing, a pain that won't subside
It's the whispering voice that I've come to know
The one that tells me I'm worthless, and I should let go

It's the face in the mirror, with eyes so dim
A reflection of emptiness, a hollow within
The smile that's forced, the laughter that's fake
A masquerade to hide the anguish that I make

Depression's heavy chains bind me tight
A prison of thoughts, a never-ending fight
To find the strength to rise, to face the day
To shake the shadows that haunt me, night and day

Memories of joy, now distant and grey
Faded like the sunlight on a winter's day
Hope's a fleeting dream, a mirage in the sand
A promise of...