a smile you perceive, but only ironic twist
to events
is what brought curve of lip, no cruel
intention
a mask to hide pain of cruel joke by
fate played
not complicity with the aching
you feel
this silence is not acceptance, just
nonresponse
not lack of sympathy, only
lack of direction
Neural pathways reveal no map
to mind
To carry you from your pain yet
still I search
my face conceals my feelings
contradicts my heart
So read instead the warmth
of my hand
supporting your arm as you slip
til you recover your balance