You walk through the world
With your eyes wide open
And your lips
Slightly parted—

Scenting the air
For someone who understands
Your own particular breed –

Of fragility
And damage.

We can see every detail
Of your suffering
At a glance—

Your eyes give you away.
You are a terrible liar.

Your far prettier now
Than you were at seventeen

But much more afraid
And alot more careful.

You walk through the world
With your hands on your hips
And your tongue
Tied in knots—

Waiting for
Someone to kiss you
And finally untangle—

The ribbons of your hopes
From the snarl of your fears.

You walk through the world
And we recognize you—

Because we are you.

You walk through the world
And we know your name—

Because it is our own