Vulnerable

When you didn't smile this time after the battle

And took a longer while to stand back on your feet

I realised that you're vulnerable 

To things so commonly harmful to us

Things I never thought could harm you.

However well I know that there's no superhuman

You've always been superwoman to me

How you make every move with confidence

The way you fight like a glorious beast

And at the same time so gorgeous and kind, 

even gentle.

But I never thought I'd live to see you break.

When you walked home that night without a word,

smile or wave goodbye,

I felt your pain.

The pain that I've felt and we've all felt

At some point in our lives.

I thought you would conceal it 

And do it so well that I would never guess

But maybe it hurt too much to hide.

And when you spoke with that quiver in your voice that was usually calmer than an ocean,

It shook me

That you could feel and in the way I do

No, it isn't a crime to feel.

And I'm relieved that it relieved you

Of the emotions all bottled up inside

But still

When you trailed off mid-sentence

And your delicate face twisted

And your hand flew up to your eyes

I wanted to sink down with you.

But I can't.

Because it's my turn to be the pillar of support

To pull out the tissue

To squeeze your hand

And remind you that everything's going to be okay,

Like you've always done for me.

And as I held you in the arms that you mended,

I realised

That we can only truly know how strong someone has been

When they are vulnerable