Do you need a hug?

You try to be strong and act
as if nothing’s going on,
although the situation
back at home is grave, in fact.

You show sham tranquillity,
yet it must (despite no bawl)
be hard for you to take all
the responsibility

for the household, becoming
praps the main breadwinner now.
It’s conspicuous how
you’re working so much, trying

to keep busy just to keep
the oppressive thoughts at bay,
about what may come your way.
It’s a water too deep

to suddenly be thrown in,
and hard to guess whether all
will soon come out of it well
and alive. That’d be a win.

It’s sure a heavy burden
what you bear and face right now,
as could knit anyone’s brow,
yet you still do self-hearten.

But even though you smile all
along while trying to keep
your business running, deep
down in your soul you’re a small

boy who just needs a really
long, warm, tight, comforting hug
to make you feel safe and snug,
and share your pain lovingly

in order to lighten it.
I just want to let you know
I feel for you, my dear beau,
and if you ever need it,

my arms are open for you
wide, to show you compassion
in the rough stuff going on
in your life, because I do

genuinely care for you.
And also know that I pray
for your family each day,
requesting God to help you.