There's something about letting people know her.

That makes her feel like she's naked.

Exposed for all to see her shame.

All her flaws, imperfections, scars.

Every part of her being that is not beautiful enough.

Every mistake she has made.

And so she never gets close to anyone.

She never lets herself be seen.



What does it take I wonder,

For a person to be so unwilling to show vulnerability?

Or, is it more reasonable to assume it is more uncommon for someone to be willing to reveal who they truly are?



Either way,

she runs,

From herself, from others.

Wishing to be seen, but terrified of being known.

Like a bird longing for the wind but terrified to fly.



I don't blame her.

I see her.

Yet she wishes for more.


© Tobias Winters.