He weaves a web of worry

a solid screen of smoke,

He listens close to locusts

creaking sore every note.

No one believes in what he sees,

the ultraviolet rays

His eyes spy color, dark and light

a crowning dawn displayed.

Knowing best to bite his tongue,

he accepted every wasted thumb

and black and blue he would become.

She saw behind his dancing eyes

beneath skin that contained the lies

He gave,

She felt,

his borrowed fear

and bid the bruises

disappear.