You appreciate things—
things I show you,
things we’ve shared—
almost to the point
they destroy you.

And you rebuild something
different in their wake,
something shiny that reflects light
in a way that’s pleasing only to me.

I try to resent it, but I find it endearing—
frustratingly beautiful.

The call for attention
you mastered, it melts me,
captures my heart—
”see me, but because you want to”.

You pull me in so effortlessly,
desperate to live—
a stark contrast
to the cracked-flowerpot mess
you attempt to win over strangers with,
when you’re dying to be liked.

-

I see you.