A strong person is no more than a vulnerably‑quiet spirit,

A spirit trapped within a hearty‑but‑deceiving exterior.

It wishes to cry out, "Accept me as I am!"

Instead, out of fear, it lies dormant for a time,

Hearing rave reviews of its own theatrics:

    "Such a strong person!"

    "Nothing ever bothers that one!"

    "How can anyone be so easygoing?"

    "I've never seen such lack of anger."

"BAH!" yells the dispirited spirit.

"Look at me!  I'm inside.  I'm here but I can't get out!

"Can't you see me crumbling and falling apart?!"

Alas, no one can hear that poor dispirited spirit.

Jailed within those impenetrable walls of flesh and blood,

It fears it will never be freed.

It breaks down and cries itself into a dazed stupor.

Will it ever dare to step out of character?