Sorrow

Sorrow weeps a lot.
She comes at night, mostly
but sometimes moves through the shadows 
of your day.

She needs you only to see her 
and hold her from time to time
to validate her existence.
Taking her everywhere with you out of guilt
is not necessary.
She will feel patronized
and make your life miserable
out of spite.

Sorrow has a secret:
Her stern demeanor hides a soft side, and
her pain may most certainly be eased
if you invite her sister, Joy,
to spend some time with you.

A Heart, Unguarded

Early on it seemed as though 
protection was necessary at all cost.
Alert! Alert! Alert!
Incoming Heartbreak!
Change course at all cost!
Whew,
that was a close one!

Then some fateful days came,
and this strategy was called
into serious question.
Passion took me by the hand and led me 
someplace new,
someplace wondrous,
someplace wild.

What land is this?
How did I not know such a place was here?
How did I miss the signs?

No matter, 
I have crawled out of that crevice,
safe not even for corpses.
Sneaking past the sentry, 
I now spend my days and most nights
worshipping, exalting
pain and joy, life's twin gods.
And I live the regal life that comes of having
a heart, unguarded.