None for himself

He wore a smile like a suit

Just to see his beloved brighten

With a heart in shreds

Void of the light of the summer

A man who understands others

But unaware of himself

He thought the light of others

Would hold him together

But a river should have water

With a snap

He didn't know himself anymore

The smile was tattooed to his face

In the rain he cried

To mask the tears

He was a strong man

And strong men don't cry

He had too much love for others

None for himself

Ariane Dushime

written in 2021