Burning Beneath

Yes, I am a strong woman,
unbreakable, invincible.
I take care of everyone around me—
family, friends, even strangers.

My nature is to nurture,
to support, to help without hesitation.
Since childhood I carried the weight,
first for myself, then for everyone else.

The breadwinner,
the decision maker,
the one who researches,
the one you rely on in crisis.

But listen—
I don’t say this to praise myself.
I say this to send a message:
When you see a strong woman,
do not think she never breaks.

Yes, she is powerful,
but she still needs help.
Yes, she is a force,
but she longs for support.

She craves understanding,
a gentle voice saying:
“Sit down, rest,
let me take care of you.”

It is not weakness to want this.
Even the storm winds down.
Even day yields to night.
Even nature must pause and restore.

As a strong woman,
I am not asking for much.
Just a hand, offered freely—
even when I don’t need it.

That is what makes me feel seen,
what makes me feel appreciated,
what makes me know I am not alone.