I swore to myself
I would never let anyone break
through those walls again
after you tore them down.

They were crushed,
beaten,
and mangled.
They bricks that held my flimsy heart together
were completely obliterated.

Slowly, I hauled the unrepairable pieces.
I have started using a stronger barrier
where nothing can get through.
Not even someone like you;
Sweet, innocent, and caring.
An unsuspecting visitor.

I recreate a portion of this wall
Sturdy enough, I thought
for now.
Proud of the long way I had come.
It is reasonably hard work
for such an undeserving
*****.

An unpredicted smile,
along with the brushing of a hand
against my face, tucking a loose strand of hair
away behind my ear.
Causes all progress to disappear.

**It will never get easier.
You will never cease to take my breath away.