—just to please a world that never really saw you?
If you could fast forward to the moment you’re on your deathbed and review your entire life from that perspective, would you still want to maintain the charade that you’re playing today?
Let's take a pause and reflect on the masks we wear, the roles we perform, and the cost of constantly pretending.
💬 “We tried hard to please all... pretending to be someone we’re not.”
Let this visual poem be your space to breathe, to feel seen, and to start releasing the weight of expectations.
in the world
of make-believe
time is slipping away
in the charade
we are playing
faking joy
acting fine
when we’re far
from okay
we tried hard
to please all
meeting
every demand
holding back
our tears
pretending
to be
someone
we’re not
time ticks on
in this
relentless race
with our struggle
to please
contemplating
life on a
desolate plot
when we could
finally
see it all
the story
unraveling
as time takes hold
on our deathbed
we need not
to pretend
anymore
but is it not a tad
too late to see
as our time ticks
its final beat
and our essence
fades like shadows
in the sun
everything we were
dissolved
lost to time
©Britt H.
Thank you for reading this.
If you’d like to support my writing, please consider upgrading to be a First Line Supporter or $5 a month or buy me a coffee. Your support helps me manage my medical expenses and daily needs—it holds immense significance for me as a disabled, neurodivergent writer.
Hello, I'm Britt, the person behind the writings you'll find here.
While I can't promise a constant stream of exclusive content, I can promise to consolidate my often scattered, writing portfolio right here on BMC. Think of this as the dedicated home for all my work. Please note, this process might take time, depending on my daily condition.
For me, writing isn't just my craft; it's my sole way of working. As someone navigating multiple chronic illnesses with frequent medical treatments at various hospitals and clinics, my routine often leaves me with little energy or capacity for much else.
As an autistic individual with a severe anxiety disorder, holding a conventional job is almost an impossible feat—a sad reality that is a stark contrast to how I used to be able to function. These days, even an unexpected phone call can throw me into disarray, let alone stepping out the door.
Despite these immense challenges, they have, unexpectedly, opened new doors. In a way, being chronically ill has been a blessing in disguise, granting me the space and courage to pursue writing.
You could say I'm an unknown and perpetually poor writer (not everyone can be J.K. Rowling!).
I juggle inconsistent odd remote jobs alongside the limited income my writing generates on different platforms.
Your support here helps me continue this work and truly makes all the difference as I explore new avenues.
Thank you for being here and for considering supporting my journey.
✍️Previously published: 20th December 2023
🎞️ Visual Edition: 14th May 2025
📖 This piece was editorially approved for publication by Write Under the Moon.
Part of my consolidated writing portfolio.
🎶 Background Music: Unrequited by Asher Fulero
Royalty-free 📸 Visuals: Created using Canva with licensed or royalty-free media #poetryaccount #healing #mentalhealth #introspection #calmingvideo #spokenword #visualpoetry