What can I say to someone, 
when their heart is breaking apart? 
Words of hope, promises nothing; 
sympathy  is just as heart-wrenching; 
castigating would worsen the feeling; 
and so silence is what I have chosen. 

Cry as much as you want. 
Suffer your pain and be in the dark. 
Alone — for no one can feel it for you, 
other than yourself. 

Crumble,  but never melt. 
Bite and burn, but don't poison yourself. 
Live your nightmare, but wake up from it. 

Will I tell you to stop? 
No. 
Only you can! 

Will I hug you? 
No. 
You don't need it. 

Will I be sorry? 
No. 
I have no reason to be. 

Breakdown, 
and I'll be here, 
doing nothing. 

I shall wait, 
till you are done, 
weeping. 

Published 25th Nov 2017