DARKNESS WITHIN Deep within the darkness, where no one else can see, I can hear someone crying. Could it be me? Desperate from the loneliness, anxious to be free, hiding behind a smile, There is something hurting me. As I crawl back to reality, I can’t deny to pain, or the bruised and battered child, from where the crying came. As I hold myself for comfort, It is hard to find a way, to pull out of the darkness, to meet another day. The struggle with the past, I know I have to win. I need to find the love in me, to light the darkness within. So, I some how find the strength, to face another day, As I hide behind another smile, and pretend everything’s okay.   By Diane L Mays Copyright 1997, 1998 Diane L. (Brightbill) Shotwell  All rights reserved