She stands elicited with fear
She holds a heart in her hands
So fragile, so loving
It's glorious

It's the most delicate thing she will ever hold.
He trusted her with it.
He handed it to her and said
/keep it safe/

So she did
She held her own heart in her left hand

And with her right
She took his heart and put it where hers used to be

He had his hands out for hers

But she was still holding onto it.
Holding on like you would
In the middle of a hurricane.
Holding on like death was at your door
And you were trying to sneak out the back
Holding on because
She was frightened

But she looked in those eyes
A sky full of blue
Full of hope and something she didn't know
And she held out her heart

But she was still frightened, still scared.
Afraid, afraid he'd throw it...

But,
He didn't.
He took it as careful as possible and put it where his used to be.

They had one another's hearts.
And for once,
Neither one of them were shattered.

Nine wasted words to say one that matters most....love.

Each night lulled to sleep by the sweet tick tock,
Of the steady beat from my bedside clock.
Longing it to be the rhythm of your heart,
Yet echoing in my own as we're apart.
I dreamt of being held tight in your arms,
Though woke lonely to ringing alarms.
I quieted the dancing bells with distain,
Facing reality I'm without you again.
I reach for you the only way I have known,
A message, reminder, picture or poem.
One day, some day wishes will come true...
Nestled up close I'll lay next to you.
I'll fall asleep to the kind beat of your heart,
Embraced in your arms wanting never to part.
In the morning we'll wake still holding tight,
Just as we remained throughout all the night.
I'll give you sweet kisses to start your day,
My eyes telling yours all I need to say.
Alas each night, my dear clock I shall wind,
To dream of your heart beating next to mine.

As I lay me down for sleep,
Know my vow I said I'd keep...

When grim of dream
comes seeping in
And cruelest monsters
scratch my skin
I shall seek safety
I've found in you
Shielded by a love
so sweet and true
I promise to fight
the vexatious dark
And find myself calm
with nary a mark.

So peaceful sleep, please find me now
I close my eyes, heart holding vow

Whether near or apart
We are always one heart
You together with me
Forever loved we be

As a child I had a perfect red balloon.
I took delicate strips of crepe paper,
dipped them with paste, and formed a fragile shell around it.

Growing up, crepe paper turned to newspaper, smudged with ink from words marking time.
Paste was no longer strong enough, so I found glue, and occasional stickers to strategically place over gaps.

Aged on and weathered, the strips of newspaper presented carelessly crumpled and shredded.
Glue was replaced by mud of my tears and settling dust from constant construction. Random gems occupy minor dents to deter the eye.

I've built a paper mache heart, strengthening it as life's hardships pay their respects.
Layers upon layers hardened it to be sturdy and solid.
The balloon deflated long ago, but the structure remains. It's cracked, has holes, but holds a nostalgic beauty like that of a well loved antique rocking horse .

I fear though, my demons look up with hallow eyes from down in the depths,
and see a pinata...eager to beat it for the treasures collected inside.