Superficial smiles throughout the day

Kind words spoken to neighbors

But what goes unseen, stays at bay

Until everything feels like labor

How are you? Most people ask

I’m doing well, I say, with my fingers crossed

Open to helping others, healing myself is a task

I am on a familiar path, but find myself lost

I dug into the roots, only to find weeds

Sunshine and water is needed for growth

Teach me, and I will have the power to lead

Turning myself inside out, I vow under oath