By: Victoria C.

The art was inspired by mine and other people’s mental health struggles. It was written as a way to relate to others that go through the same feelings. My message to others is, “There will always be someone who understands you, and whatever you are going through you can do it.” I wanted to do a poem to better express the abstract concept of mental health.

Honorable Mention · Middle School Writing (2025)

Smile for the picture 

But no one sees the mask behind 

For what lies beneath is too hard for them to find

My real emotions faded 

But a plastered smile is what’s anticipated 

The more I smile the more my feelings become jaded 

My happiness like a burnt out fire to keep myself warm 

My heart embersed in a snowstorm 

My past, tears me apart 

No love reaches my heart 

No way to rebuild, no pathway to restart 

Can you see my scars 

They hold me from my stars 

When I tried to soar

When I reach, I fall on the floor

So see behind the smile 

I know it’s hard to grasp because you can’t see it on the outside 

My sadness, my sorrow, my pain

But for now, I’ll keep it hidden