hide

you are every eyebrow raise

every smile

frown 

and concealed smirk 

you can't help but show 

on your canvas of a face

when observing you

I notice the fluttering of your much too perfect eyelashes

and focused expression as we watch TV

and see how that changes when you meet my gaze

you shield your face

and hide your smile from me

as if I'm holding a camera

ready to capture you in your least perfect

yet most authentic moment

this is all you

when you tilt your head back

and laugh louder than the music playing on my record player 

eyes closed 

leaned back on the floor of my bedroom 

it's you in vivid color

but when I pass your classroom

as you sit with ten more insecure boys

who put you down 

for a crooked nose

or expressive eyebrows

you're hidden away

but I know the you 

you never let them see 

even if you're blanketed in pungent cologne now 

no longer smelling of dried lavender and laundry detergent

like you always used to 

you're still you

and I hope that you 

never dies

in the deep pool

of adolescence