REFLECTIVE: "THE THINGS WE NEVER SAY" BY ABDULMALIK YAHYA (THE PUNSMITH)

They asked me why I was 

so quiet.

I smiled and blamed it 

on life.

Truth is, 

I’ve been trying 

to heal while carrying scars 

that nobody knows about.

I became good at saying “I’m fine” 

even when 

I really felt lost.

I miss when I used to dream 

without worrying about tomorrow.

Maybe I’m not broken, 

maybe 

I’m just tired 

of being strong.

And if my silence 

could speak, 

it would simply say 

“I have been fighting battles 

you dare not know existed.”

© Abdulmalik Yahya (The Punsmith)

 15-08-2026

"The Things We Never Say" by Abdulmalik Yahya (The Punsmith) is a lyrical and confessional poem that explores hidden emotional struggles, silence, and the pressure to appear strong. The poet presents a speaker who responds to questions about their quietness by pretending that everything is fine, while secretly carrying emotional scars and unresolved pain. The poem reveals the contrast between outward composure and inward suffering.

The speaker reflects on how they have become accustomed to saying “I’m fine” despite feeling lost and longing for the carefree dreams they once had. Rather than viewing themselves as completely broken, the speaker recognizes that they may simply be exhausted from constantly having to remain strong. Their silence therefore becomes a form of unspoken communication, expressing battles and struggles that others cannot see.

Ultimately, the poem emphasizes that people may conceal deep emotional pain behind silence, smiles, and seemingly normal behaviour. It encourages greater empathy and understanding, reminding readers that not every struggle is visible or openly expressed.