Safe Here
By M.Allshouse
I was never meant to be a witness,
But I watched—
Watched and held my breath.
Though walls cant breathe
I held your ache
Gingerly,
With tattered wallpaper
And chipped paint
Splintered bowing wood—
Absorbing the sound of your cries
This moment
Was not meant to be heard by others.
I knew, implicitly—
No need for explanation why.
You rock in your bed,
Trying to self-soothe.
I know its just creaky floor boards,
But it's my attempt at whispering:
It’s ok I’ve got you.
Curled in silence,
Your fists tucked beneath a quivering jaw.
Like a child apologizing for aching too hard.
I was never meant witness
And I suspect I was never intended to hold
But you are safe here
Find comfort in these walls.
For I am still standing
Despite the draft passing through.
I’ll be here waiting
Forever a sanctuary for you.