why do people say

protect your heart

what do they mean?

protection from what?

from pain?

from heartache?

i already deal with that on a daily basis

why should i protect it more?

why can’t people be vulnerable,

and not have it cost anything?

vulnerability is an honor

and i think only the bravest experience it

it’s easy to barricade feelings out

it’s not so easy to let them in

so who am i protecting my heart from?

myself?

letting others in?

no thank you

my heart tells me what to do

and i listen