Myself

I haven't allowed myself
To trust that you can be
A safe haven for my pain,
Vulnerability.

I never believed myself
How much pain I have inside
A child's heart still broken,
Indefinitely.

I doubt I'd recognize myself
When I'd break down and cry
A maskless face revealing,
Humility.

I don't understand myself
How the courage pushes on
A buried will so determined
Intensity.

I hope to find it in myself
Relive moments I numbed to survive
A cry, a sobbing, weeping
Finally.

I don't know who you are
How big your heart can be
To join me as I find myself
Empathy.

I wish to learn to love myself
The way you do for me
A belief stronger than my pain
My journey.
---
written 2013