Hidden

I see her.

Going through the motions of her life, smiling at strangers. Showering kindness on those who pass by.

I see her.

Throwing her head back, with a laugh that reaches her eyes. Stretching her hand out to a friend, sharing in her joy.

I see her.

Timid strokes that paint her face when no one is looking, as she quickly creates the mask of another smile.

But, I see her.

Behind it all. She is aching… screaming… writhing in pain. Begging for someone to notice her soul. The cries of her heart. The drives of her passion.

I hear her.

The words between her words, hints of the flood she longs to set loose. Wishing upon wishing for someone to match her intellectual guise… instead, she oversimplifies. All they hear are her words.

But, I hear her.

The suffering in her laughter. The angst behind her smile. The anguish in her touch. The small flinch before her skin makes contact with another. The silence that isn’t silent. The deafening sounds of her efforts to seem okay.

I notice. I see. I hear. And, I’m sorry.

People say you’re not alone. But, you’re the only one living inside your own mind. No one else can fully meet you there and that is what makes it so lonely. There is an ocean of depth behind her eyes, just waiting to dance; free, from the cage of her clenched teeth… Free to be heard and understood. She fears that no one will ever bring her that freedom.

But, I see her.

I see her like a Lion, regal and mighty. I see her like a tower, strong and tall. I see her like a forest, beautiful and mysterious. I see her like mountains, grounded and wise. I see her like a breath of fresh air. Like, the cool breeze on a hot day. Like, the first time someone eats chocolate and the first smile of a newborn baby. I see her as a love that moves and flows through all things.

Yes, I see her.

I see her like a storm, fierce and relentless. I see her like a fire, warm and destructive. I see her as an earthquake, Powerful and life changing. I see her as the perfect balance between right and wrong… good and bad… She is lightning and thunder. She is wind and rain. She is darkness and light. The sun rises and sets with her. Her beauty shines from within her. And, even though she can’t see those things in herself.

I see her.