Unspoken

You stared into my eyes and stuttered

Your eyes speak your truth, but your tongue keeps you safe

Years of neglect and abandonment have taught you to wait

To hold your voice

To guard your heart

To pretend

Mask the pain and don't let the words get away

I wish my eyes could speak and they would say

I understand

I can have patience

I can wait

Unmask the pain and let the words fall away

I mustn't speak

Words are so easily manipulated, so often they have spoken to you

A gaze, however, may convey my truth

I adore you.