A man's struggles are oftentimes unseen,
Hidden behind his forced smile so serene,
He gives his all to provide and care,
Sacrificing his own dreams, hopes and prayer.

The weight on his shoulders is heavy and grand,
No one seems to understand,
The burden he bears every day,
Just to keep his family and loved ones at bay.

He's expected to be strong, tough and bold,
No room for tears or feelings to unfold,
He's called weak if he's gentle and kind,
A stone if he's harsh, with no peace of mind.

His love is measured by what he provides,
His worth by what he sacrifices and hides,
He has to pretend he's happy and free,
Even when his soul is dying silently.

Yet, in the end, there's no recognition or praise,
For all the sleepless nights and endless days,
He's left to wonder if it was all worth the strife,
As he tries to hold onto the last shreds of his life
© Avinash David