Wearing down
Less steady now
From mortal wounds of old.
Not the way in younger days,
when my guard would never falter.

Furrowed brow
now worried how my heart will fair it alone,
without the gates nor keeper waiting
to fend off who gets over.

Sword and shield may not reveal
this man of flesh and bone.
I can tell those tears that fell
by the rust-stains down his armor.

At ease, at ease.

I'm ready.
I'm open.
I am willing to be broken.
I can feel her hands unfolding
each petal around my heart,
I can feel
the changing of the guard.