I watch your eyes
the tilt of your head
curve of your lips
ah, you need happiness
the way you slump
or mumble your words
and fidget
you long for touch
your quick tongue
and stomping feet
as you rant and wave
if only someone would listen
cue sparkle in my eyes
throw back my head
open mouth
for laughter to pour out
stand up straight
lean in
reach out
to hold your anxious hands
time to slow down
maybe stay perfectly still
so you can feel safe
around me
it’s a dance a jig
but I’m the only one
who hears the music
of this farce
you are living
and I’m reacting
you are true
and I want to match it
I’ve bent and contorted
to match your stance
but the thing is
that’s not what you asked
it’s not a play with lines to learn
and cues to mark
but life to live
with truth and heart
Author’s Note: my poem, "truth and heart" describes how I see codependency through the lens of ACA.
Kara O
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