I Dare You

You are so self-absorbed

with your black clothing and

even blacker mood, clouding

the surface of your eyes until I can

draw pictures in the dust:

Only frowns. Never smiles.

But lift your eyes from your shoes

wipe the cobwebs away and

see: we're all a little broken inside

where no one else can gaze

or no one cares to look.

When dropped, we all crumble

like so many red clay jugs.

You are not somehow special

for the cracks you display

so vehemently. You are not unique

in this way, not one little bit.

So for one second, peer into the

depths of humanity, examine your soul

and see the fragile arch of blue,

the tiny golden spider called hope

that you claim does not exist,

though you know its there.

Deep down inside, you know.

Do not think yourself extraordinary

because you manage to ignore

this tender flower of the human soul,

sprouting even in the driest and rockiest

of places. Stop pretending. For a

moment, stop playing your pity games.

Stop, look, and believe. I dare you.