Inside Himself

(Dedicated to a dear friend. You were always seen.)

If he showed emotion he was vulnerable
If he hid his face he was cold
If he stood against the challenger
He might appear too bold

If he shared his love in secret
The public would think him inept
If he lay his love at the feet of all
It might be excess to accept

If he cried alone he harmed himself
But his tears another might sneer
He could show no strength nor solace
No vitality nor anger nor fear

In captivity he kept breathing
Balancing heartache without relief
He held inside the pains of life
Holding too the weight of grief

His cry for help was silent
Better for him to resist
He only gave in to his feelings when
Those feelings ceased to exist

He shared his love in magnitude
But felt unworthy of it’s return
His reflection in the mirror still
A frame he could not discern

He had to hide inside himself
So none could see the lining
But in opening up his heart again
He gave light where none was shining

Still he smiled and shoulders squared
Building walls around his scars
He accepted, forgave and observed
And left his fortune to the stars

It took him time to get to where
He could let more light shine in
To display his scars in victory
As redemption grew in him

He then took hold of hope again
Where so little held a spark
His eyes were lighter where before
Such pain had held them dark

His eyes still hold the mark of time
You can see it still today
But where such sadness failed his smile
There’s joy set there to stay

A warrior, unconquered
That’s who he’s always been
Valuable beyond compare
Is the soul of such a man

Reviews

[Aneto]

This is absolutely wonderful, I love it! I'm awestruck the way you captured such depth of feeling and the impossible challenge of navigating some of the paradoxes of life and finding a winding way to healing. Beautifully written, Mir, thanks so much for sharing!

~Aneto~

[Arundass TP]

Beautiful poem with emotions and feelings.