I hid around the corner
away from prying eyes
to hear you talk and laugh
again, like you did
before.

I lingerd just long enough
to hear you smile
and just short enough
so you wouldn't see me
crouching and smiling.

I hid. I hid so I wouldn't
run to you and hug you.
Tell you it was good to
see you happy. Smiling.
I smiled because you were
smiling.

Around the corner is what
no one ever sees. Where the
tears fall, the regrets
are voiced, and the strong
finally collapse.

11/21/2005

Posted on 11/22/2005
Copyright © 2024 Barbara Griffith