Rushing past, head dipped
in thought, blue jeans and t-shirt,
hair draped down until your face was barely
visible beneath the highlighted strands. Whispering
quietly to the demons inside. Hello
was on the tip of my tongue. I didn’t say it.
I couldn’t say it.
How to tell a stranger that I understand?
That they are not alone?
That my eyes once
held the same reflection?
I too, know. I know the fear. I know the confusion.
I once lived a dream that was not the same as yours
and yet it was.
I want to tell you you’ll be okay.
I want to tell you I survived.
I want to tell you recovery doesn’t hurt.
But lies hurt.
So I watch you walk away
my mouth paralyzed hoping
with very little hope to catch your eye
because maybe,
just maybe,
You’ll see there is a kindred spirit hidden within me.
