I noticed my smile was real.

But why can't the words come out?

I noticed you looking at me.

Why can't my words
fall off of my tongue
in the exact order that I think them?

I notice your eyes look
greener in the sun.

Why can't I tell you to run?

I notice the soft wispy hairs
gently grazing my face
instead of your hand.

Why can't you understand
the pain that's lived within my chest
& thrived within my mind?

You pretend not to know.

I notice the way you fall silent
when you're waiting for me to say
something to break the silence
between us.

Have you run out of things to say?

Why can't I say something?
Anything...

I notice I thought I didn't have to, before.