you are surprised
that I am shy
heart curled
in a tight bud
taken years to
move the heavy slab
which I placed
to defend myself
live authentic
open unarmored
alone and not alone
Beloved
birds trees flowers deer
friends
my beloved children
I give up on love
choose acceptance
you appear
and say you love me
I have no slab
no armor
no rock
fear
for love has been
alcoholism
anger
fighting
charm
and lies
still
my heart unfurls
petal after petal
hope for love
may 2017