when i look at you

when i look at you,
i see someone who's hurting,
someone who doesn't know who
they are, or who they want
to be. someone who wants so much
to please everyone, and live up to
their expectations and dreams
that you forget to see your own.

i see someone who's been burned
before, and doesn't want that
yet again. someone who pushes
me away because you can't see
i'm only here for you. someone
who's bleeding and won't ask
for a bandage, even if it means
you're going to bleed to death.

i see someone who's always there
to lend a helping hand or
a listening ear. someone who's
there for everyone, everyone but
yourself. someone who won't
admit that you need help, or take it
when it's offered, no strings
attached.

when i look at you, i realize,
in the back of my head,
the person that i see,
is me.