Are You Always Like This?

I stop to watch the city lights,

You check the time like that’s a crime.

I point and say, “Look over there!”

You shrug like buildings grow everywhere.

I ask you what you wanna do,

You say, “Doesn’t matter.”

Very helpful, thank you.

I swear I’m traveling with a wall

That somehow learned to walk at all.

Do you practice looking bored?

Is silence some kind of reward?

I’m trying very hard to understand…

Are you always like this?

Half a word, half a sigh,

Like smiling might somehow

Take ten years off your life?

Are you always like this?

Cold as yesterday’s rain?

I’m having the time of my life,

Could you try not to look in pain?

Seriously, Ren,

What is your problem today?

Are you always like this…

Or just when I’m in your way?

You walk three steps behind me,

Like being seen might be contagious.

I talk enough for both of us,

Apparently that’s outrageous.

You know the route, you know the train,

You know exactly where we’re going,

But asking you to explain

Feels like pulling teeth without you knowing.

And every time I turn around,

There you are with that same face.

Are you annoyed that I exist,

Or is that just your resting state?

Maybe you were born this way,

One raised eyebrow every day.

I’m running out of theories here…

Are you always like this?

Half a word, half a sigh,

Like smiling might somehow

Take ten years off your life?

Are you always like this?

Cold as yesterday’s rain?

I’m having the time of my life,

Could you try not to look in pain?

Seriously, Ren,

What is your problem today?

Are you always like this…

Or just when I’m in your way?

Fine.

You can brood, I’ll see the sights.

You can glare, I’ll chase the lights.

You can stand back there and stare,

I’ve decided I don’t care.

…Though it’s weird you always notice

When I wander somewhere wrong.

And somehow when I turn around,

You’re never really gone.

Nope.

Not thinking about that.

Are you always like this?

Impossible to read?

Do you actually hate this trip,

Or is that just what I see?

Are you always like this?

Because I honestly can’t tell.

You could say what you’re thinking, Ren,

That would probably help!

But fine, stay mysterious,

I’ve got a whole city to see.

Are you always like this?

…Whatever.

Just keep up with me.