he was right

he was right, 
this mirror friend of mine
all I need 
—to be—
is love. 
that’s it

the scientists say  

if a child feels seen, 
if his parents show up, not merely physically, 
the child will later navigate the world 
with an armor of security 
as he faces 
sorrow and pain

aren’t we all children 

inside?

for me, 

it is love
that makes me feel okay,
capable-
no,
willing
to face anything
nothing matters—
the top of the mountain. is. nothing—
when love is lacking 

he keeps leaving, 

this young bird I love so dearly
—because of a wound 
he carries on his wing—
he shows up at my window sometimes 
then, 
he disappears 
deciding 
to leave me
it empties my heart,
and makes 
insignificant 

both the window and the sky.