When Smile Is a Shelter

 


They said you looked better today.

Your laugh landed in the air

like a coin in a fountain,

everyone made their silent wish

and walked away.

 They did not see

how you rehearsed it in the mirror,

tilting the corners of your mouth

just enough to pass inspection,

but not enough to crack.

 They did not feel

how your bones grew heavy at midnight,

how your thoughts swarmed in quiet corners,

how the bed felt like both

a rescue raft and a sinking ship.

 Loving someone through this

is like holding sunlight in your hands,

you can feel its warmth

but never stop fearing

it might slip through your fingers.

More: https://peonymagazine.com/love-family/when-smile-is-a-shelter/

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