When someone I love is hurt,
I never know what to say.
I scowl and growl.
I slam doors.
I shut myself up in my room and put KEEP OUT on the
door.
I glare at people who say things like
" Why the moody face? Cheer up the world is fine
Don't worry Be happy!"
I can't even run away into my favourite books.
The hurting follows me there and won't let me stay.
I just lie on my bed and concentrate on crying.
I am not one bit hopeful.
I act dumb and numb with everybody.
Even people who are completely outside it all.
Like my Bahasa Melayu teacher or Nina.
Even when I know I'm being stupid
and only making things worse,
I can't help it.

But, all the time, I'm hurting too.
I yearn, with every atom of me, to make things right
for the person I love.
It would be better to be comforting,
To be cheery, to make little jokes,
Or even just to say how sorry I am.

I can't. Hardly ever.
I just ache and ache and ache.