i smile

    (like i’m fine)

        but

each word  
        each look  
              each silence  

          chips away

                and

     i sink,

                 slowly  
                        quietly  
                              invisibly

     until

       nothing.

         just
             me

               pretending
                  to be
                    okay.

i feel that i learn a lot with you,
but you don’t learn anything with me.
am i so boring?
am i so unintelligent?
am i so introverted?
am i so exhausting?
am i so dumb?

Little bird,
Your cage is not of my making.
Little bird,
I see the weight you carry, silent, unseen.
Little bird,
My hand is open, only if you wish to land.
Little bird,
I promise not to squeeze too tight.
Little bird,
I'd never clip your wings.
Little bird,
I’d never take your sky from you.
Little bird,
Let me build you shelter, not a cage.
Little bird,
I’ll walk beside you, not ahead.
Little bird,
I ask for nothing, only that you know,
Little bird,
You are free, even here with me.