at first, I denied you.
refused to believe that someone like you would notice my camouflaged heart
suddenly, you saw me
and you understood why I was hiding

then I was terrified.
I struggled to push you away
but every time I began to drift, your smile would pull me back in like the tide
unyielding
I relished in the sensation of your gentle affection washing over me- cleansing my bruised heart

then I wasn't afraid anymore.
I allowed myself to heal
through your acceptance, I began to accept myself

my heart is still calloused, but it's becoming softer
my fists are still clenched, but my grip is loosened every time you slip your palm into mine
I will always be guarded- but you might just be the one who gets past the gates
And captures me.