Paradise

Paradise

I curl into a little ball.
Close my eyes and wish it away.
All the fear and none of the shame.
Dry eyes that wouldn’t stay.

Friends are disappointingly small.
They all reflect some truth they say.
When all you needed was an upbeat smile.
No one came or could see their way.

Quivering lips and anxious eyes.
We ache for word of a reprieve.
Put up defense and hold our breath.
Tears of joy and tears of relief.

Your voice breaks and so does your will.
Special knowledge may not be kind.
You take with you a new-found hope.
A hope for the world, paradise.