To hold back, with sheer force.
To wear those masks at all times.
To swallow, with eyes shut tight
To swim in tides of self-pity.

One day the dam will break.
The collective fury unleashed.
The emotions, so long withheld
Will then create destruction.

So, don't pull it back today
Don't keep it under the lid.
Let it flow, in smaller bouts
Let it not mature unwatched.