Maybe Poem by Aanuoluwa Adebanjo

Maybe you cannot hear my heart skitter around in my pounding chest like a lost puppy in search of a home
Maybe you cannot see my frozen self clamoring for warmth like a lost soul in search of an empty body to keep it warm
Maybe you cannot fathom how much I struggle everyday to keep my hopes alive like a caged bird who sings for freedom

But maybe you can see through my quietness and know when I want to be left alone
Maybe you can read the expressions on my face and know when I need a company to drive away loneliness
Maybe you too like the stars can watch from afar and send some lights of love across my way that'd guide me through every dark night

Because dear one, there are times I just need you to agree with me without questioning
There are times I need you to understand without me saying
There are times I need you to be patient and remain silent over my nagging

Honestly darling, there were times I wanted you to tell me "sorry" because I know you know how hard it is for me to say so
There were times I wanted you to just listen, inhale, heave a sigh, and tell me "it's gonna get better" because I just needed to hear it from you
There were times I wanted you to understand that I have many flaws and try to embrace the very little perfections you'll ever find in me

Yes darling, I am different and you cannot change my difference but maybe you could give me reasons to change without breaking my little heart
I am not like you or anyone one else and i think you should stop making the comparison but maybe you can talk to me without shattering what is left of my already damaged soul
I am not going to try to be like you or anyone and your criticisms won't change that but maybe you can accept my difference without making me feel so different afterall