I learned to be quiet.
To be sure not to say a whole lot.
To keep me voice down
and not speak up.

I learned the art of listening to those around me.
Knowing how it feels to be ignored
or feel like too much.

No one ever questioned
or thought it odd
that I had not a single thing to say.

Until you.

You created space for me to be.
Your eyes, they lit up when I would speak
You looked at me with intention
You listened with expectation
As if everything I had to say
was unlocking another piece of the mystery
You handled me with care
To you I was a fragile jar made of clay
with lily's and magnolias delicately placed
inside.

You're the person I've been for everyone else
for me.