The hedgehog’s dilemma
Or the so called, lover’s paradox
states that despite goodwill, human intimacy cannot occur
without substantial mutual harm.

Naturally humans are scared of getting hurt,
That they build walls
and defend themselves with pikes.
By the same logic,
hedgehogs curl up
defending themselves
with their spikes.

And this is where love plays its part.
You must go through their defences,
letting that barrier they made gently down,
and endure the battle wounds that awaits
as you too open yourself up
To be vulnerable for the people you love.