Hiding

Hiding is something we do when we’re scared

We hide our faces, bodies, our whole selves. 

If they can’t see us, they can’t judge us, right? 

Hiding gives us a sense of peace, calmness,

For just a moment.

Then the anxiety creeps in, 

And I start to wonder, 

“Can they still see me? 

In all of my disgusting shame. 

Can they see my flaws? 

My scars and my bruises.” 

And the answer is yes, they could. 

They saw me withering on the floor, 

Swallowed in despair, 

Anxious and shameful. 

They did nothing.

Pulling my hood up around my face, 

Wondering if they were staring, 

Were they pitying me? 

Or were they judging me? 

Either way they never understood. 

No one has, 

And no one ever will. 

Suddenly, 

A light penetrated the darkness, 

A glowing brightness filled my eyes. 

Something so foreign to my being, 

Surrounded by a warm embrace. 

I saw a face in the light, 

A face full of hope, 

“It will be okay,”

Caring eyes boring into mine, 

“I’m here now,”

Feeling hope for the first time. 

Your hope caressed my face, 

Promising it will all be okay, 

That the rain will go away, 

And one day the sun will shine.

It’s you. 

You pick me up onto my feet, 

Wiping away my tears, 

Pulling me into the warmest hug, 

I felt safe in your arms, 

Reassured that I would be okay. 

Now I don’t know how to thank you, 

All I can say is,

Thank you for saving my life.