i see you there,
where the world feels like too much,
hiding under the covers,
praying for a moment of peace,

a moment just to breathe.

i see you there,
working as hard as you can,
pushing and striving and reaching,

each and every day,
hoping to prove to you are finally worthy.

i see you there,
taking care of everyone else,

putting everyone else first,
wondering if it might be your turn next,
patiently waiting to be seen.

i see you there,
walking down the street,

showing up again and again,
a sad smile on your face,
masking the pain that's underneath.

i see you there,
wondering where you fit in,
if you fit in,
where you could finally belong.

i see you there,
in the darkness of night,
heart racing, mind spinning,
praying you'll make it till sunrise.

i see you there,
trying and trying again,
maybe this time it will work,
maybe this time you'll have found the answer.

i see you there,
looking for love and friendship,
opening your heart again,
only to have the door closed in your face.

i see you there,
holding onto your little ones,
wanting to protect them from the world,
while fending off constant judgement,

and praying you're doing it right.

i see you there,
angry, frustrated, sad, overwhelmed,
and so very fearful,
lost and just wanting to be held.

i see you there,
shrinking to be out of sight,

overly accomodating and helpful,
or loud and larger than life,
all desperate to keep your tender truth hidden.

i see you there,
with that truth buried,
your pain and sorrow masked,

your fear that you truly are too much,
your need for love and safety shoved down.

i see you there,
looking for a hand to hold,
someone who'll take it and help you stand,
to see you for you. truly.

and not shy away.

i see you there,
shining from deep inside,
your grace, strength and love,
it shines through each and every part of you.

i see you there,
more courageous than you know,
more beautiful than you dreamed,

more brilliant than you believed,
more worthy than you imagined.

i see you there,
peeking out from the 'strong' mask you hide behind,
from underneath the protective covers,
to feel the gentle sun on your face.

i see you there,
sparkling in the sunlight,
its warmth melting your fears,
your true smile shining from within.

i see you there,
the one that peeks out into the light,
the one hiding deep inside,

the one those closest to you love the most,
the one the world can't wait to meet.

and she is you.