Image by floodkoff via Flickr

When I smile my eyes seem to sparkle

If you saw me inside you’d know the truth

It’s really the pain shining through.

I say I’m an open book;

but honestly no one can read me.

I say what’s on my mind, but not the state of it.

I give my heart and soul to those around me;

99% of those people have broken at least one of them at some point.

I stay silent to spare them the pain of guilt.

I’ve been strong so long but without a foundation,

I never know which blow will send me crumbling down.

I’m worried I’m running out of pieces to pick up again.

Nevertheless I love my life for the sake of those in it;

for the moments between the blows that make it all bearable;

and for the love I give but seems to elude me.

I forgive the trespasses against me and those who cause them,

I’m thankful for the blessings I have in those that I love,

my faith in God never sways, though my opinion of him sometimes does…

I’m an oxymoron at the very least-woefully optimistic;

I pray for the fairy tale, the white knight, the happy ending…

although I’d settle for the one person who understands me in my complexity.

I’m perfectly imperfect, wholly broken, a simple spark in the night;

yet I shine through the darkness.

Image by greyloch via Flickr