Sensitive

The heart of one who feels 
Deeply 
Does not require higher walls, but a warmer hearth

I used to hate 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 battlements around my tenderness 
Caged in my wilderness 
Now I know
There is room for all the world's sorrow within my chest

I carry every warrior's wound
Every child's tear
Every mournful song
With me
Within me

Even still my heart beats
It breaks open over and again
Yet sings
Yet blossoms

The fire of compassion now burns too brightly to be dampened or extinguished

I have torn down all the walls
I have pitched the 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.

-e