The Person

I look at the person standing in front of me,

The bags under their eyes are dark.

They have troubles that have definitely left a mark,

but there is a part of their life hidden.

We will never know.

The seasons pass, but the pain remains.

Only fading away until remembered again.

I strive to treat others with respect.

Its hard to keep in check.

The wind blows and the birds chirp,

but tears flow more than we know.

The air is still and slow.

The person across me takes a deep breath.

The sadness creeps in.

I feel the pain.

I smile and say " hello"

The person looks at me and responds,

" how do you do?"

A smile replaces the pain.

We engage in small talk for a while.

The sea of people grows as we talk.

I ponder what this person has been through.

Trials and tribulations, but still smiling.

We see people pushing others to get where they are going faster.

People not watching what is happening around them.

Some people look so happy.

Others look sad.

One thing is for sure,

I know none of their stories.

Empathy rolls over me.

I pray these people have someone to talk to.

Every story deserves to be heard.

We are interrupted by yelling.

Yelling at us.

We blankly stare until it is calm.

The source of the yelling breaks out in tears.

We go to it, comforting.

It sobs and sobs.

People glare, some point and laugh.

We just sit comforting this poor soul.

Tears roll down my face.

Pooling on the floor.

We sit quietly sobbing.

Hours tick by until there are no more tears to cry.

We are all comforted and relieved.

Weight falls off our shoulders.

I now believe it's what we all need.

Deep circle may not be gone,

but they get better.

The rough days never end,

but they never stay either.

No one knows the full length of your story,

but you.

You know you better than anyone.

People don't see the pain.

The tears fall.

The anger felt.

The happiness experienced.

They see what you show them,

through their eyes.

Not yours.

Be like water.

Cry it out,

so you may cleanse the feelings felt.

Let the emotions flow,

and finally, let go.

Be like fire.

Burn bright no matter what you're going through.

Tame your thoughts.

Adapt to be a better you,

especially ignite those around you.

Be like the air around you.

Observe the ones around you.

Cut the ones who don't lift you.

Breathe before you respond impulsively.

Focus on what you want.

Decide what you want to do,

and who you want to be.

Be like the Earth.

Give until you can't.

Give what you can while you can.

Build. Build yourself the way you feel is right.

Build a you you're proud of.

Heal from those who have hurt you,

Strive to not hurt others as they did to you.

Be like the spirit.

Connect with you and others,

that are worthy of your time.

Listen to your heart.

Listen to those around you.

Know who you are,

and don't stray from you.

Be still, know that everything will be fine.

Show compassion and kindness,

even to those who have wronged you.

The person you see in the mirror,

is the only you there is.

You are the only person you can control.

Even when people have been mean to you.

You choose how you respond.

Every person has struggles,

so be kind to everyone.

The tired eyes.

The troubled smile.

Everyone's story is different.

Authors note: Please be kind, I have had so many people be mean to me for no reason. Just remember its ok to hurt, but if you need someone to talk to I am always willing to listen.