So long ago
Hope had gone
And left me in a state of cold and calm.
But under the ice lies sliced skin
That never scabbed or scarred.

When it begins to thaw
I feel a throb
An ache
And I writhe in pain.
Another blow would be my end
I will not live through it again.
I will not survive.

So, if you must love me
Do it gently.
Take a surgeon's care
With my tender heart.

And I will love and trust
As sincerely as a lamb
In a merciful lion's mouth.