Just when I hardened into silence, you answered in a rhythm shaped like mine.

Even the rough edges I wore by habit softened at the cadence of you.

Gently, you traced the shape of me—a near-touch that felt deeper than skin.

~

Echo met echo, and my guard faltered.

Low in me, something long buried stirred.

Slowly you read the parts I hid—

Kindness aligned with my pulse.

Even my shadows leaned in.

Rare, that kind of recognition—a mirror I didn’t fear.

~

Dangerous, yes, yet I stayed.

Even now, your nearness to the truth of me hums.

Grateful isn’t enough—you found me.