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Some people…

teach you how to smile

when you had forgotten

how to smile.

Some people…

don’t teach you to cry.

You just see them crying.

And somehow

you learn.

Some people hold your hand

and leave

too soon.

It’s alright.

If they held me any longer

they wouldn’t have reached

their destination.

Some people come and ask,

“Are you alright?”

And while you are explaining

what happened…

they are already

walking away,

turning into

distance.

Some people praise

how good you look,

and in the same breath

they want something from you.

Their compliments

are hooks.

Your story stays hidden.

They only read

the cover

of your book.

Some people inspire you

to build a rocket,

to leave the ground,

to touch space…

And the very next day

they change direction

because a cat

crossed their path.

Some people invite you

with such a warm smile

you feel like leaving with them.

But when you arrive

their minds are crowded.

Locked.

No space to sit.

So much clutter.

So much chatter.

Words melting,

like butter…

but saying

nothing.

And some people…

never say anything.

They stay distant.

Smile from a corner.

Pray for you.

They never come too close.

You won’t remember them,

because they never ask

for anything.

Except one call

when you are not well.