A Closer Look

I took a closer look

at a friend of mine today

I could see little pieces of her

Beginning to fade away

I almost didn't recognize

the woman standing there

she wore a blank expression

I could see she didn't care

Her eyes were cold and dark

hiding the pain locked up inside

When did she last get sleep?

What was she so desperate to hide?

And when I lowered my eyes



I caught the paleness of her tone

She looked so frail and fragile

and so completely alone.

Then I heard her speak a question

as my eyes met her empty stare

"What would people say,

If they knew of my nightmare?"

Somehow I think I understood

the question she had asked.

But I had not the answer,

It was locked up in my past.

I have known this girl forever

Before her soul had gotten lost

She was hiding from the pain

unaware of what it would cost.

She was willing to feel nothing

If it meant she'd feel no pain

not caring for the sunshine

That's promised after the rain.

I can see she has grown weary

her eyes reveal as much

she is lost within herself

A cold heart, no one can touch.

I hear her screams so clearly

Though her expression never sways

Her silence screams so obvious

She's been crying out for days.

Why am I the only one

Who can hear her desperate cry?

I want to help, but what if I fail

I am afraid to even try.

I know I should reach out to her

Shake her at her very core,

And beg and plead and shout to her

"NO MORE!! NO MORE!! NO MORE!!"

I know the strength within her

I have seen her will to live

I see her broken spirit now,

she feels she has nothing left to give.

Somehow I must get to her

I have to find a way to set her free

This closer look now has revealed



This woman is me