Entreaty

What is it, my soul?
What unhealed grief
holds you hostage?
Pours concrete
where you would sow seeds?

Why do you hide from light
and shrink from joy?
Love calls your name,
but sleep remains your refuge

Where did you learn
that trust is for the weak
whom the strong betray?

Alone so you can't be abandoned
Lost so you've nothing to lose
Drinking poison for the hope of immunity
Wearing thorns so no pain can shock

But listen, weary one,
tearful girl,
there's no more safety in darkness than in light
and yes, love carries loss in its shadow
But just as all things die,
life begins, and begins again
for you
fear or no fear
you are safe
and the way out
is forward