My Pain, Your Pain

 

Pain is still pain

When layers are built

on top of each other

In between sadness might

Be a break with rest,

Or a break of sunshine

But pain is still there

Underneath the surface,

And deeper than the parts

I give and show to others

 

Then almost suddenly, all I see is

A self-portrait I hardly recognize

A glimpse in the mirror

When no one else is looking.

How did pain create something so great?

Were my eyes always so sad?

If you look past the smiles,

The makeup,

The face that says everything is fine.

Do you see beyond the pearls I wear,

The cute dress that looks so put together?

Can you tell there is pain behind my smile?

There is grief that could cover miles.

 

Have you seen it

When I didn’t think it was showing?

Did you catch it when I thought I fooled everyone?

You mean you heard it when I covered it up?

It seeped out when it was supposed to be silent?

 

I didn’t mean for it to pop up,

I thought I was an expert

In pretending it’s not there

But now that you’ve seen it,

I admit I feel relieved

It’s been exhausting,

Covering it for so long.

And tears are at last released.

 

Now that you’ve seen it,

Do you understand it?

You do?

You mean I’m not alone?

You have pain too?

Your pain isn’t my pain,

But it still hurts.

And it’s real.

What’s your story?

Can I help you?

Don’t worry, I understand

And knowing your pain

Somehow makes my pain

Hurt less.

 

Written By: Lindsay H

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