My eyes
they shine
don’t see
pain in mine
though
tear tracks dry
how can you know
the pain my eyes
continue to see
when I let down my guard
and let them close

Slender wrists
long fingers peek
from White lace sleeves
don’t see
the row
after row
of neat white
parallel lines
where
the pain
oozed out
red and hot

Slinky dress
rides on curves
that aren’t really there
don’t see
the days
that pass
where food
won’t touch
my presence
for fear of loosing
myself

I walk
tall and straight
don’t see
that I won’t meet
your eyes
my smile
stiff and painted
never reaches
my eyes
my heart
confidence
a front
to hide
the voices
in my brain
telling me how
unworthy

See me
please don’t really
totally see me
don’t see
the pain
fear
lonliness
longing
heart ache
that sufficiency
and security
and …

Fear and pain
keep me hiding
behind the painted world
I show
most of the world
because
if I show you
the me that I am
I am afraid
that you will
toss me out
with the preceptions
and I will be
left
standing
alone

I long
to reach out
to trust
to know
the ease of
just one
friend who
will see