I see you now
In a different light,
Perhaps the night
Has helped bestow
This fresh insight;
And though you exude defiance,
I see the hint
Of fear in your eyes,
And as you lower them,
I see a touch of shame,
Knowing there are others’
Focused on you,
Some malignant,
Glowering with sheer rage,
And some others
Utterly nonchalant.

I see you
In those moments,
So many of them –
All blending,
Into one and the same;
I see the tears
That finally came,
And I see the tears
That you swallowed then;
I see you,
From where I am stood,
And I wonder if you knew
How much it would hurt,
Even beyond the blue
Of the mighty ocean.

Image Credit: Photo by Matt Bango on StockSnap