whoever’s not ready, holler “I”

hide and seek
seek and hide

prying eyes
climb inside

raucous laughter?
tears I’ve cried?
secret shame?
lies I’ve lied?
compassion deep?
judgment wide?
sometimes
overwhelming pride?

visions of boys
when they’re full grown?
beating hearts
just mine on loan?
secret dreams
I have yet known?
hidden fears
that chill the bone?

who am I when all alone?
who are you when no one’s home?

what makes us strong?
what makes us weak?

seek and hide
hide and seek