You Don’t Need To Know The Whole Story To Understand The Story

You don’t need to know the whole story to understand the story.
I don’t tell you that I went to work today in the shirt I slept in last night.
I don’t tell you that I cried on my couch for no fucking reason.

You don’t need to know the whole story to understand the story.
I don’t tell you that I am hungover in the middle of the week.
I don’t tell you I can’t remember the last time my mind didn’t hurt.

You don’t need to know the whole story to understand the story.
You see through the facade; you sense burn out is imminent.
You tell me you are here if I want to talk.
You tell me I better sleep tonight because the bags under my eyes are atrocious.
You tell me I better eat and take my iron pill.
I don’t push back. I sincerely tell you that
I am trying. You believe me. And you believe in me.

And that’s the precarious,
a beautiful cycle that’s the precious,
a beautiful cycle that keeps me trying.

Thank you, for not needing the whole story to understand the story.
– Alicia Cook