If You Let Me

I know

that you flinch when they reach.

I know

that trust for you,

is a door that creaks from being slammed too many times.

I see

how you smile

with your guard still up,

how your laughter

checks the exits.

You don’t have to explain to me,

because I’ve known silence that speaks in pulses too.

I am not here to fix you.

I will not ask for the pieces you’re not ready to give.

I just want to sit beside your storm,

to bring you warmth

without asking for the rain to stop.

Let me learn

your language of fear

and answer it with quiet certainty.

I will not rush your becoming.

I will not write your healing in my name.

But I’ll stay,

if you let me.

I’ll hold the light

until you remember you can hold it,

too.