Work Text:
THE INNER YOU
By Kelly Reiger
Today, unexpectedly I found myself watching you
as you sat quietly in a darkened room
gazing out at the stars you so love.
You were alone
a rarity
for you are usually a person who seeks others.
Yet today I see
you wish to be alone.
I feel loneliness emanating strongly
from your being
it is tangible
like a ache from deep within.
I wish to spare you this pain
but I fear that the simple touch of my hand,
a gentle word,
any gesture of kindness from me
might break you
and send you spiraling towards madness.
So I stand here
watching you
as you sit there
agonizing over whatever it is
that has hurt you so.
I wonder at where your strength comes from.
How you handle all the things that you do.
Then a epiphany comes
and I realize
that your strength does not come from
swords, money,
Nor even words
but from a inner power.
A inexhaustible power
that you are able to draw upon
whenever you need to.
And it is this that I realize
is truly your best defense.
And I...
I just stand there
humbled
by all that you are.
Knowing
that you will survive this
with or without me.
For that is who you are...
what you do.
I could reach out to you
give what support that I could
but would you truly thank me for it?
I doubt it
for pain must be experienced.
That is the way of life.
And it is your way.