Past tense happiness

by Dante Stanton
(Havelock, NC)

The smile I once knew has left
Depression and anxiety committed the theft
Usurped the throne of happiness
Those creatures would take nothing less

How quickly did that pain spread
How fast did I wish to be dead
Life began to slow
This was an ultimate low

I wish to never have existed
In my mind happiness was blacklisted
My dread would spread
Drowned me like ankle weights of lead

Here I lie at the bottom of the ocean
I could never beat the emotions
Pain holds on without ever letting go
Among this I found a fake happiness I can show