Too proud to seek a shoulder to cry on
and too good at the act to cause concern
Tears falling on cold, hard earth
with no one to witness the shattering facade

Forced to pick up the shards herself,
fitting the pieces into seamless, empty whole
She wonders how those who lean so heavily on her strength
fail to see how shallow and used up it really is

Long since someone understood; longer since anyone tried
and she doesn't let them close enough for a chance
The temporary intimacy between sweat-soaked sheets
is a lie that only sharpens the awareness of her pain -

her pain and fear and grief in knowing
that she is completely and utterly alone.

06/23/2003

Posted on 06/23/2003
Copyright © 2025 Amanda J Cobb