10. Spring

I've tried so hard and so often
To remove my heart from
Its tender and vulnerable case

Filled with warm flesh, blood, and protected by
The smooth, curved bones of my rib-cage

I've tried to freeze over but
I am never quite prepared
For the inevitability of spring

And I was aware that when I let you in
That I would crack open and bleed again

I've tried to build castles,
To craft armour, or to simply
Surrender myself to the storm

Yet I find myself constantly drawn to you
This inexplicable feeling of hope subduing fear

I would never hope for you to understand
The magnitude of my revelation
Nor the depth of my feelings

I simply cannot bring myself to feel as if
I would ever deserve as much as what I dare to dream of

And with every fiber of my being
I know that I should turn and run
If I knew what was "good for me"

But then again, when were stories ever written
About those who tread carefully or were ever careful?