Do you notice
the way the light reaches his eyes?

The crow’s feet that come alive
when his cheeks lift higher,
as he slowly smiles.

Or the way
he lights up as he
passionately speaks?
That fire glowing within,
seeps through him,
colouring the atmosphere
with hues of amber and gold.

He leaves things
in better shape than when he found them.
Seeks to listen
without the urgency to reply.
Quietly doing good
without expectation.
No conditions,
No reward.
Only a “just because.”

And yet,
your eyes deceive you,
and your heart
consistently lies.

A recovery
all frightening,
and new.

But give it time.
You’ll see him
the same way
we all do.