I stare at you,

Lost and confused.

You tell me to smile

And show some teeth...

I pick up my cup of tea,

Wondering what you think you found.

I see the bitter smile

Splayed out on your face...

I never knew that what I was taught

Was always wrong.

That putting up a wall

Wasn't always the clearest option.

Someone told me that I would be here for a short while,

That if I just spoke

About my problems, it'd be over.

They lied.

I used to hide my memories.

I would throw them in a basket,

Soon to be forgotten.

Only if I knew...

It was those very memories

That sung harmonious words and lies

Into my ears

That eventually slipped through my lips.

It was because of those memories

That I now sit here in counseling,

Sipping horridly aged tea;

Staring at a woman who thinks I'm crazy.

Too bad you're right...