Nude

A poem about vulnerability, intimacy, and safety.

I'm scared to break open
I fear exposing my back
I want no one to see my scars
and all the little cracks

I don't want to drop my shield
and I take my armor to bed
I don't want an arrow in my heart
or a heart inside my head

I wish to seem robust,
functional, and pristine
I just want to be Herculean
and to never feel weak

Keeping both eyes closed is hard
I assume each horse is from Troy
and fear any act of kindness
is just some kind of ploy

Then I start to think:
If I let someone in,
they would have just what they need
to rip me apart from within

I feel safer in my tower,
where none can reach me
This makes me feel powerful,
like no one can defeat me

In spite of all this,
my armor's not all boons
A hug from the sweetest soul
feels cold like a spoon

Every hand I could ever hold
is instead a gauntlet
Don't know if I can take it
until I'm gray and old

My eyes can't meld with others
it's almost like they're caged
My heart can't be heard
from inside this metal safe

Should I trade my shell for warmth?
Is it wise to toss the gauntlets?
It's like I don't know where to start
or how to get just what I want

Author's Note

opnions welcome

Reviews

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Ahhhhh love the metaphors throughout
A suit of armour you wear to protect
This is outstanding loving this

[Jacques - iNkwire]

Thank you so much! It means a lot!