I am a tree
Sprouting leaves
But my leaves too will leave

I am a tree
My thick bark protects me
But contains deep scars

Beneath my bark are layers of life
The history of my surroundings
But my heartwood is dead

My heartwood still supports me
It won't decay or lose strength
But it's only because of my thick bark

My outer bark- gained over decades;
Protects me from the destruction of my
Heartwood
For being
Vulnerable

You, Sir, are clarity.
Yet your mind wanders aloof;
Sun, clear opacity

The jealousy of poetry
Stirs like a vengeful heart
Takes the rhyme from out the reason
Leaves behind the bitter parts

Takes a hold the dreams of old
Sends them on their way
Giving back slight glimpses
Of the thoughts you've had of late

Clinging tight to the lines that bite
In jealous fits of rage
The jealousy of poetry
Pours out on the written page

I'm alive
Here is my unadulterated heart
Bring on the pain and suffering
The scary bits of possible rejection

This is vulnerability

One word
You said "ditto."
That word shattered my heart
Because it took courage to say
(I) love you

My prime example of love
Stemmed from intensity
Is not a once size fits all glove

The found each other- destiny
In the midst of a celebration
In highschool unintentionally

Born with high expectations
Maybe my soul mate is nearing
I'm just waiting for my invitation

The truth is it's unsparing
Waiting around for 'the one'
Takes away my caring

I am the sun
I might burn you
But only with puns

I am the sun
I'll enlighten you
Yet I won't be done

I am the sun
I will brighten your path
Just for fun

I am the sun
I will keep the moon bright
Because you are the one

I am the sun
If you come too close to me
I will burn you, loved one