I Never Knew You Felt Alone

I never knew you felt so blue
When all you asked was, “Call me too”
I didn’t see the silent cry
Behind your smile, behind goodbye

I never thought you’d feel left out
When hugs were met with my self-doubt
Too shy to say, too proud to show
But deep inside, I hope you know

You missed the kid in overalls
That laughed too loud, that hugged your shawls
Now silence fills the hallway space
No tiny feet, no little face

I never knew each time I’d fight
You’d cry alone and lose your light
I never guessed that hurt so deep
Would make it hard for you to sleep

You always said, “One day, I’ll break,
One day, I’ll bend, for heaven’s sake”
But deep inside, you stood so strong
You held me close when I was wrong

No jasmine flowers in my hand
No fancy words, no sweet demand
But what I have is love so true
Wrapped in my heart and meant for you

I used to sigh, I used to frown
When you would call or come around
But now I long to hear you speak
To feel your hand upon my cheek

You dressed me up, you brushed my hair
You kissed my knees when scraped with care
And though I’ve grown and moved away
Your shadow guards me every day

Forgive the days I looked away
The times I didn’t choose to stay
The pride that stopped me from your arms
The words I missed, the lost alarms

I know I made your warm heart ache
I know how much you had to fake
But I am here and I still need
That steady love you always bleed

You always said, “One day, I’ll break,
One day, I’ll bend, for heaven’s sake”
But deep inside, you stood so strong
You held me close when I was wrong

No jasmine flowers in my hand
No fancy words, no sweet demand
But what I have is love so true
Wrapped in my heart and meant for you

So if you’re tired, lean on me
And if you cry, just let it be
I might not always get it right
But I still need your hug tonight

Even if your arms are tired
Even if your dreams expired
Can I stay here