she saw
the white picket fence
as another
set of bars
but
she played along
for the sake
of appearances
long sleeves
to cover scars
self perceived flaws
cracked
while desperately trying
to stay
unbroken

she is
the brightest soul
that blinds you
with
a single smile.

she doesn’t see it that way.

he sees
the crooked planks
of the fence
around
the yard
like
the broken teeth
he could smell
the coffee
the stale cigarette smoke
as the blows
came raining
down
but he played along
tried not to
flinch
not to
cry.

he doesn’t see
the same person
others
claim to
he sees
the monster pretending
to be
human.

he won’t be swayed.

but they
survive
against all
odds
against all
internal wishes.

there is strength in that.

even if they don’t see it.

they just know how
to hurt.