Afraid to Love

Afraid to love
means afraid to hurt.

None of us means to turn our back
on that magnificent glorious experience,
but only to protect.

We have all been hurt
so many times.

And there are many
who treat us like
.....chattels
..........(or much worse)
while wearing the mask
.....of a friend
..........(or so much more)

Opening your heart is
painful, frightening, exhausting.
Understanding who will keep it safe
is a life's work.

DLD/11APR07