Learning To Let Love In

At first,

I waited for the catch,

for the crack beneath your calm.

I’ve known love with conditions spelled in silence,

and bruises shaped like promises.

But, you didn’t pull.

You didn’t push.

You just stayed;

not demanding, just offering.

Slowly, my shoulders stopped rising at every kindness.

Finally, my heartbeat didn't sprint when you said my name.

I’m still learning that love can be a soft place, not a sharp one.

I’m still learning that being held doesn't mean being hurt.

So if I reach for you awkwardly, hesitantly, underneath all this armor

know it’s not weakness;

It is trust trying to grow legs.

I don’t know if I’m healed, but I know I want to be.

And I think that might be enough for now.