Hide and Seek

Like little children we hid in the kitchen, next to the cutlery box.
We were looking out the window, watching the trees dance in the wind.
We didn’t want to look at each other in the eyes because that would
Just be asking the tears that were already dancing on the corner
Of our eyes to RSVP and come to the party. We were numb.

We took turns catching our tears before they reached our chins.
We comforted each other like plane crash survivors, each with
Injuries of their own but just enough strength to reach out and rub
The other’s back. The numbness was quickly fading away.

The adrenaline rush kicked in and coping strategies rushed into our frontal lobes.
This is what we do. We distract ourselves with to do lists and plates
Full of food when life demands that we feel p…
When life demands that we feel pa..
When life demands that we feel pai.
When life demands that we feel pain.

In an attempt to be strong for others we fail ourselves.
We force ourselves to play hide and seek with the pain.
A game that can go on for a long time because the hiding spaces
In our hearts are too complex even for us to decipher.
No one tells us to carry on with life as normal but it seems
That it’s the only option when not being okay is not okay.
I am an Occupational Therapist by profession, but I have many roles that bring meaning to my life. In short, I love people, books and love.

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