i hope one day soon
i can be the one
who gives a tight smile
and a small sigh
and a faint headshake
and a slow shoulder shrug
and who in a wise voice
born from acceptance
that only comes with experience
says
it just takes time.

i hope one day soon
i will no longer be the one
who holds back tears
and shaking breaths
and pounding heartbeats
and who in a cracking voice
born from pleading
that only comes from painful inexperience
says
but how much time?