You asked me “How are you doing?”
I thought it was more than a social check-in.
Sensing something different than the usual
You seem interested, until …
And then, I’m not sure what happened
I could tell you tuned out
What did you detect?
Did you even realize something changed?
Did it sound like self pity?
Or was it something you couldn’t fix with a pill?
Did you just not have patience for more?
Or were you getting more than you wanted?
I heard it in your voice
It wasn’t what you said
It was a hesitation, a change in cadence, a different flow
I didn’t expect a lot in response - I don’t think.
I would have liked validation.
Just stay with me for a moment;
Nod, say 'Uh huh,' slow down for a second
You had lots of options
“I’m sorry” would have been enough
“I’m sorry you are burdened by that” would have let me know you heard
But … “Better than the alternative” was diminishing
And I could also say “Dismissing?”
I could feel the distance between us
As you backed away emotionally
I felt my own ‘leaving myself’
While I dismissed my own vulnerability.
