If I Really Cared

If I really cared...I'd look you in the eyes when you talk to me;

I'd think about what you are saying rather than what

I am going to say next;

I'd hear your feelings as well as your words.

If I really cared...I'd listen without defending;

I'd hear without deciding whether you're right or wrong;

I'd ask you why, not just how and when and where.

If I really cared...I'd allow you to know me;

I'd tell you my hopes, my dreams, my hurts;

I'd tell you where I've blown it and when I've made it;

If I really cared...I'd laugh with you but not at you;

I'd talk with you and not to you;

and I'd know when it's time to do neither.

If I really cared...I would't climb over your walls;

I'd hang around until you let me in the gate.

I would not unlock your secrets;

I'd wait until you handed me the key.

If I really cared...I'd put my scripts away,

and leave my solutions at home.

The performance would end.

We'd be ourselves.

Author unknown