Why do you cry when you look at me so?
With eyes that hold storms I don't yet know?
I see your face—older, but mine,
But what makes it heavy, what bends your spine?

Your smile seems broken, though it's soft and kind,
And your gaze lingers long, like you're searching to find
Something in me that you've lost along the way—
I wish I could give it, I wish I could stay.

But still, you're so pretty, with all of those scars,
Like a warrior wrapped in battles and stars.
So I'll keep smiling, because I don't see
Why you look at me like I'm who you should be.

I want to ask why your heart feels so bad,
And what makes you hurt, and why you're so sad—
But all I can do is reach for your hand
And hope that someday, you'll understand.

     — Bigger Me , 10/2/24