MS Guyana Renaissance Pageant

REMEMBER TO CHECK IN WITH YOUR MENTAL HEALTH.

It doesn’t always look like darkness, Disheveled,
Discombobulated.
Sometimes it looks like dance, Like joy,
Like syncopated rhythms, Like grace,
Like choreography, channelling Ancestor’s dreams, Powerful, Successful, Enviable.
Sometimes we get so good at the act,
At the entertainment, At wearing the mask,
That we can fool ourselves a little bit,
Long enough for the public to believe,
That we have it all together,
That the airbrush portrait is real,
The Instagram smile Is permanent,
That the steps aren’t automatic,
That happiness 24/7 isn’t toxic,
But the truth is, Living is hard, Lonely is real,
Grief is too heavy to hold.
People don’t check On the strong friends,
The smiling friends,The dancing friends,
The friends who look like they are on top of the world.
Looks are often liars.
Hopelessness can grow Like weeds in the most Beautiful Garden.
It doesn’t always look like Darkness,
And it’s so hard to say the words Out loud,

“I need help
This is too much
I don’t want to try anymore”

Because we clap for stunning, for the performance.
And ignore those in pain.
It doesn’t always look like darkness.
Sometimes it just looks like Our reflection
In the Mirror.
Sometimes it’s just too hard to stay in the light.

If life feels like it is too much to take one more step, let someone hold your hand while you walk.
You aren’t alone.
You aren’t the only one.
I’ve had those thoughts too.
You are not alone
I promise

The Evening Gown Segment of the Ms Guyana Renaissance Pageant 2017.

The Crowning of Ms Guyana Renaissance 2017, Ms. Jennifer Shiwbalak.