Depression isn’t something you talk about in an African household.

Your parents claim depression isn’t a part of the African tradition.

And it is your obligation to not give in to it.

Like depression cares about your nationality.

They call depression an invention of the whitemen to make kids lazy.

Your anger has you labelled a witch,

When all you wanted was for someone to listen amidst the chaos.

For someone to understand.

Controlled rage when let loose isn’t pretty.

So you practice your perfect smile,

Mask your sadness with it

And make sure it doesn’t slip.

But I see a crack.

Your hard personality is something I can see through.

And I want you to know it is okay to want to protect your loved ones from the riot of your emotions.

But putting others needs before yours is not okay when it hurts you.