Now, and then

You did not know me back then
because your thoughts were lost,
focused too much on pleasing others.

You were only concerned with the
vanities that eventually fade away.
You did not see the beauty that
I see in you now as I look into your
face, your eyes not smiling.

You did not know true happiness.
You did not know what to hope for
and how to listen in those quiet
moments when you were alone
with yourself. You had dreams.
But they were suppressed by fear.

You wanted love. You wanted peace.
You wanted direction and guidance.
But you did not know how to ask for it.
Moments were rushed, and time
was lost, just like your thoughts.

Back then, I ignored you because
I did not realize the power you had,
I did not understand your talents.
They became more like an excuse,
not deal with the pain. I wish I knew
you then, the way I know you now.

(For K.B. 2012)