how I yearn
to remove the shrapnel shells
of pain dug so deeply
in your wounded soul
and with my tenderness
melt away that seemingly
impenetrable shield
you’ve wrapped around yourself
I would hold your heart in mine
filling it with love
protecting it with kindness
surrounding it with warmth
I would sit beside your fear
calming it with my compassion
soothing it with my understanding
easing it with my attentiveness
I would take your hand in mine
reminding you of my presence
and also respecting
when you may need space
but I have this worry
that your scars are so deep
they cannot see my sunlight
so eager to share its brightness
I am in front of you
but you do not see me
I am beside you
and wonder, can you feel me
so I will continue
to envelop you
with my respect
with my gratitude
with my laughter
with my love
because I know that
this is real
that you & I are
some kinda wonderful
