Disrobed

My deepest sadness for you
is that you lived
without displaying
your emotions
Like a pharisee
or a woman from the
gated area uptown
you always had to
put on your face
You resented me for my
uncensored emotions
but the truth is
I never got to know you
In contrast
I showed too much
of myself
too often
I stood naked before you
You never embraced
my vulnerability
instead I remained
unclothed
a stranger in need
of your coat

--Shenandoah Lynd