"Are You OK?"

“Are you OK?”
By NG Ink

This I wish he had asked,
Back when I needed it most.
He only recoiled in fear-
He backed away from my crumbling figure.

I picked myself up,
Not trusting anyone anymore.
I only trusted myself:
The only one who cared- was me.

I met a friend:
“Are you OK?” He whispered.
I could tell he wanted to hold me:
My arms held only myself.

How I was blind to the gesture:
The question he asked could have saved me.
The sincerity in his eyes,
The gentleness in his step- the worry was clear.

My friend is no longer near me:
More than a thousand miles between.
Too far away for a hug, too far to smile.
Is it too far to say “Thanks”?

Too lonely to cry out,
Too lost to find a way.
Once again,
I long for “Are you OK?”

Now it’s built up, it’s been released.
I cry- I’ve cracked.
Now everyone around me asks:
“Are you OK?”

"Yes," I say, all with a sad face.
They don’t know- no way they would-
How much pain they cause,
With such a kind question.

And so I keep my arms folded-
Closed across my chest.
Clinging to myself for support:
I’m the only one I can trust, right?