Step back in the shadows
but I can see your face
your eyes a mirror
and I see in them reflections
of the pain and recollections
and on the surface flashing
across the painted smile mask
which solitary you would turn your back
and take off for a moment
but my gaze holds you frozen
and not counting moments
two mirrors stand reflecting
pain and recollection
and your tear mine in mirrored image
in terror I reach up and remove
my mask to see your reflection do the same
and in this instant you see what I see
your tears flow to mingle with mine
and in recognition I extend my hand
and mirror glass shatters leaving windows
to look through seeing you as you are
and you in horror cannot stand
you fall down to your knees
to think I can see emotion naked
and your raw scars freshly bleed
yes I can see that pain and horror
and hear your wailing memories
your naked heart cold and shivering
is bared for me to see
as is the child-girl in the corner
bruised and bleeding all alone
waiting for a worded lie that cruel hands
betraying truth would strike another blow

I have no words for you
no lies to waste
my hands are for soothing, not for using
girl-children hiding in the shadows
and as I kneel beside you
my arms are blanket comfort
and as your head rests on my shoulder
the wet tears you feel are not yours alone
and your arms warm enfolding
a blanket warming the boy child who stood
peering out my window into yours
his emotion naked and raw scars freshly bleeding
for you to see
and closely held I cradle you
you cradle me as we lay down to sleep
and in the morning waking know
we've seen each other's hearts
naked emotion scarred and bleeding
blackened by pain and recollection yet
your hand is still warm in mine
and your head on my shoulder is my comfort too
and safe, boy and girl-child wake
their hearts slowly healing
understand shared they walk into the morning
hand in hand

the broken mirror's shards swept away
windows open to love and understanding
their first real smiles light a new day
 
(C)2004 Wild Rabbits/Railway View (Michael E. Warshaw)
ALL RIGHTS RESEVED Reprinted by permission. This Work
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