Flinching at the slightest

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A yearning to be seen.
To be valued.
To be held.
To be loved.

Romantically, platonically, physically, mentally, spiritually—
A craving etched into every fragile fiber of my being.

Yet, with the faintest touch,
a breeze brushing my skin,
a flood of questions rises.

Why?

Why me?
Why their kindness?
What lies behind those glistening eyes?
That gentle smile?
The softest of gestures,
so impossibly tender?

Why would anyone— anyone
turn their light toward me?

A desire, fierce and aching,
Yet when fulfilled, it unravels,
slipping through trembling hands,
tainted by doubt.

And the answer is simple,
cruel in its clarity:

I cannot love myself.
I do not know how.

How can I trust their kindness,
when I see no worth in my reflection?

I am a hollow yearning,
reaching out,
only to flinch when love reaches back.

Written By EmotionsWhere stories live. Discover now