If you’ve never had your heart broken,
listen closely.
But first, just know that I hope you marry
the first man that you kiss,
I hope that he never runs claws
through your chest and into your heart.
I pray he never even comes close
to scratching the finest layer
of protective skin around your organs;
and that you will never have to know
what it feels like
to have another person
slowly scar you with words.

Listen closely,
loving someone is more than a risk.
Do you know how a drive-by works?
Do you know what it’s like to hit a shoal
so that a peaceful cruise
turns to mayhem?
Your heart is the victim
but he’s not always the criminal -
remember that.

Don’t ever even think about thinking
that you did something wrong,
even if you did.
If your heart is torn into tiny shreds,
that’s punishment enough.
Don’t burn pictures and bridges
and his favourite scarf.
You don’t need to forget,
you need to forgive.

It will dully ache inside of your chest for
months, and months, and maybe years,
but you will be okay,
and you will open up your heart again,
but be careful, because heartbreak
does not get easier
over time.
Do not kiss boys who give you attention,
kiss boys who give you love, and limited editions
of Pride and Prejudice.
Everyone is fragile;
do not break boys’ hearts
because you are bitter.

Your body will heal itself
over time.
Be careful, and loving,
and forgiving,
and do not avoid heartbreak
by withholding love -
love is a risk and understand that heartbreak
is the worst case scenario
of a drive by shooting,
or a cruise running aground.