When someone leans in close

to whisper a bit of gossip

or to complain about this or that...

 

They’re telling you a story.

A story of

their wounds,

their fears,

of little things they dislike about themselves

but have yet to see.

 

Their whispers say...

Don't see me,

look away,

I am not enough...

 

In these moments my heart aches

and I’m filled with empathy and compassion.

I do not hear gossip

or complaining

 

only cries to be loved…