still here, still soft

I have known
a kind of pain
that could have split me in two—
something sharp,
something relentless—

and still,
I am here.

I survived
because I refused
to surrender to the darkness,
even when it whispered
it would be easier to fall.

I carry scars.

Some you could trace
with your fingertips.
Others buried so deeply
only a few have ever seen them.

Stories written
into my skin,
into my soul.

And because of them,
I am afraid sometimes—

afraid to let someone
all the way in,
afraid that if I do,
they might have the power
to undo me.

I am not perfect.

But I am more
than flesh and bone.

I am a heart
that beats wildly—
one that loves
the way stars light the sky,
freely,
without hesitation,
offering something beautiful
to anyone willing to look up.

I will disappoint you sometimes.
I’ll get on your nerves.
I might say the wrong thing,
laugh too loud,
or take up too much space.

But I will also make you laugh
until your sides ache.
I’ll pull you into spontaneous moments,
dance like no one is watching—
just to see you smile.

I will believe in your dreams—
even the ones
you’re too afraid to say out loud.

And I will stand beside you
while you chase them,
reminding you of your strength
when you forget.

When you feel weak,
I will be steady.
When you feel broken,
I will be gentle.
When you feel alone,
I will be there.

I am not perfect.

But if you let me—
I will love you
in a way that feels like home.
Patient.
Real.
Unwavering.

I will love you
the best way I know how—

with every piece
of my imperfect,
beautiful heart.

JMS