The Smile That Never Reached Your Eyes

Each night, tears would flow as you drifted into slumber

You covered your arms with long sleeves

Hiding the scars from your struggles.

Countless times you penned and repenned your farewells

Your smile was a mask, concealing the sorrow that lingered in your gaze.

You put in every effort to bring joy to those around you,

Yet inside, your own happiness had faded away long before.

I hate you because you lied.

I often found myself asking, "Are you alright?" 

I should have noticed that your smile didn't truly light up your eyes.

When you answered, "I've never felt better,"  

I hate you for the lies

So many times, I'd asked, "Why is your face red and swollen?"

I wish I had pushed harder, but your response was simply, "Oh, it's just allergies."

I feel anger towards you for leaving me, and I loathe myself for not recognizing the warning signs

Now that you're gone, I realize I will never hear your beautiful voice again.

If there were a way to reach you, I would call just to listen to you speak.

I would call with tears flowing down my cheeks, as they have not ceased since your departure.

I would call to say, "I hate you, but I love you. I miss you so much. Can you come back, or can I come to you?"

@ShaWritesPoetry