The Burden

I have this pain in my side
This unexplainable pain that won't go away
it's like a beacon
a caution sign
an unfortunate warning
that has been ignored for far too long
and now it's too late
But when I talk to you
there's a smile in my voice
the happy-go-lucky
call and response you are familiar with
the one that tells you everything is okay
the only way I will let you see me these days
you are a half a world away right now
out saving the world
out making a better life for yourself
and for everyone you meet
so I can't tell you that there's something wrong
I won't shatter the illusion that all is well
I would never say or do anything
that would cause you any sadness
you have enough to deal with
without worrying about me, too
I do enough worrying for the both of us
I worry about you so far from home
I worry about you without me
it is a burden I must carry on my own
A burden I would never share with you.