you feel
too much
all the time
every single **** time

and time and time again
you tell yourself
"don’t make that same mistake again"
"don’t give too much again"

and when things don’t work out
you hurt, feel that aching pain
a thousand times more
over and over

and you tried to step back
have one foot out the door
you tried to be ready
but you will never be ready

you locked your heart
so far in a safe box
for the next person
but you end up spilling yourself
all over them like you did
the last time

it’s okay to give
everything
it’s okay to feel
everything
but honey,
guard your heart
and love
with no regret.

a shimmer of lights
stillness of the night
patterns made by the stars
gazing up at what could be ours
the cold air kisses your face,
wrapped in blankets like a warm embrace
the sound of leaves caressing the trees —
a lullaby, slow dancing in the breeze
moonlight peeking through the shadows
a whiff of nature in the atmos