Here In My Heart

The heart of one who feels
Deeply

Does not require higher walls, but a warmer hearth

I used to chide myself for perceived “weakness”
Like weeping for strangers
Grieving for trees
Being “too sensitive”

I wrought a gated iron fence around my innate empathy
Erected cold battlements around my tenderness
Caged in my wilderness

Now I know
There is ample room for all the world's tears inside my chest

I carry every warrior's wound
Every child's sob
Every sorrowful song
With me
Within me

Even still my heart beats
It breaks open over and again
Yet sings
Yet blossoms
In an endless unfurling of luscious petals

The fire of compassion now burns too brightly to be dampened nor extinguished

I have torn down all the walls
I have pitched the cold gate
Thrown the keys into the deep, boundless blue

I will never bar you from my love again, Beloveds

I hold you here in my heart
Always

❤