You'll never know

You'll never know the types of demons and monsters that visit them at 3am every night.

You'll never know what lingering, dark thoughts keep them up till dawn.

You'll never know the pain and anguish behind their overly optimistic laugh.

You'll never know the haunting nightmares behind those grim, harsh lines around their mouths that never seem to break into a smile anymore.

You'll never know why when they smile, it doesn't quite reach their eyes.

And you'll never know the physical, emotional and mental torments they face each day - how hard it is to wake up, to fall asleep, to pretend that they're not falling apart.

The thing is, you'll never know.

All I'm asking is for you to be a little kinder,

a little more patient and a little more gracious.

For you'll never ever know.