How many walk wounded,

hiding scars day by day

under layers of freshly formed

capabilities, ignoring the dull

insistent ache of the past?

+

How many limp in new shoes,

declaring that they walk

a different path today,

cleverly disguising that limp

with a confident stride?

+

How many smile through pain,

as pushed away

memories replay on an endless

loop through their minds

forgotten but not forgotten?

+

How many?

I dare not count,

but when I see you smiling

and walking with that confident stride,

bearing your credentials like a badge

of new humanity,

I wonder if I see you at all?

+

I wonder if I see me…