Pretending to be deaf

I hear sobbing through the wall
thin arms reach out
weaker than straw
spirit crushing silence
hoarding bruises from a bitten lip

Your prison
hunts for me
although secretly
we both envy
each others lives

All milky eyed
and about to shed my skin
I conduct my business
figuring
just how much to smile
when I next see you
down the hall
though I'm certain
circumstance ignores
cruel stars we share
now shining darkly
intertwined