he declared that he knew me
in a voice adamant and kind
he was one who cared, was he not?
he never had wronged me
held back by a nagging mind
telling me he was wrong
he had only seen what i'd shown him
more than most saw, i admit
being known, an uncomfortable idea
i'd rather push far away
stay curled behind tall walls
so i'll tell myself he's mistaken, deluded
i said nothing in response
i hadn't the words
how could i?
it was he who'd seen too much
dark waves washed over me then
cold and familiar
my lips taped themselves shut
and i left with no words to speak
