Only if … you Let it
life has
a way
of sanding you
into shape
each heartbreaking moment
chisels you
deeper
into something
you weren’t prepared to be
or feel
or accept
it is a painful process
that ages you
when you experience
a tragic thing
like loss
or betrayal
or self-sabotage
you have no choice
what’s done is done
all you know for sure
is how much it hurt
and i wonder if this makes you
less willing
to try
next time
or the next
or the next
do you hesitate now
think things through
less trusting
less open
less willing
to move
are you lessened by life
or extended by it
do you let your mind lead
never the heart
keep the heart locked
cautious
controlled
contained
you refrain
avoid
become inaccessible
guarded
nobody gets through the gate
the pigeon has flown
no trace
an old lion now paces
back and forth
at the gate
TL