But I am broken on the inside

When I am at worship

I know the songs

I know the books

I know the stories

I know the things to say

I know the things to do

But, I am broken on the inside

When I am with my friends and family

I know how to make them laugh

I know how to make them happy

I know how to make them feel comfortable

I know how to look for what they need

I know the things to say

I know the things to do

But, I am broken on the inside

When I am at work

I know the procedures

I know the routines

I know the politics

I know the things to say

I know the things to do

But, I am broken on the inside

When I am by myself

I sit amidst the shattered pieces of my heart

I ask myself “Why am I broken”

I ask myself “How can I become whole again”

I don’t know the answers

I don’t know the rules

I don’t know what to say

I don’t know what to do

I don’t know who I am

Because, I am broken on the inside!

 -Hope Hartwigsen