---

– Soul in the Stone –

I am hardened by a heart of stone.
I strive so hard to retain my solitary state,
refuting the simplest acts of kindness,
in fear of forming a lasting connection
that others would more easily bear to break.
My fear of that abandonment
now dictates my confidence
in any kind of human connection;

“Do not rush forward
into new love in haste.
Retain the fear of separation.
Carry with you always
the attrition of passing time.”

As I break free from the shell
that has for so long surrounded me,
I find myself surrounded by broken crystals,
the radiant beauty of their colour
revealing the truth of my deepest emotions.
I walk out from the remnants of the shell,
even as their jagged edges cut my feet.

I know someday that I must grow
to move beyond this doubt;
With you beside me,
with you to guide me,
I may yet survive it.
What better way to learn to love again
than to take you into my arms,
deep into these sacred spaces,
where only alone I am free from harm.

---