New Beginnings

It truly is sad
that it is a surprise
when someone puts in effort
to make you happy.
The fact that
they ask you
what you want
and how they can make it happen
instead of treating
your needs
like a nuisance.
Where your feelings matter
and you aren't guilted into
holding them in.
They look into your eyes
and see more
than just their own reflection.
You open up to them,
and they say, "tell me more"
a phrase previously foreign
to hear.
Yet despite it all,
you are terrified
to unlock the chains
surrounding your heart.
Because those before
have misused
the love you gave.
Because so many times
you put in everything you had
when you shouldn't have.
Because the thought
of being vulnerable
and getting hurt again
makes you sick to your stomach.
Your battered heart
turned to stone
and your spirit grew cold
because that was the only way
you could survive.
So now
even though
you want to
and even though
you know it's okay to
you can't seem
to muster up the courage
to let your guard down.
Hopefully one day
you can learn
to trust
like you once did,
and maybe
this will be something
you've been searching for
your entire life.