It took me a long time to establish boundaries for myself. I sometimes miss the old me, so generous with my heart. Now I give my brain equal billing.


Doors

I once believed that goodness
resided in us all, exceptions few.
Love flowed from me,
each person accepted as light
waiting to be discovered.

I now hold love in reserve,
examine more cautiously,
weigh words, align actions,
see what tips the scales
to open my heart.

Darkness is a hypocrite
pretending to love everyone
as judgment lingers
at the edges of the heart,
faces faceted.

Now I recognize the dark,
check one more time
for just a hint of light,
then, no explanation necessary,
turn away and shut the door.




Poetry by Melinda K Zarate The PoetBay support member heart!
Read 27 times
Written on 2026-05-22 at 21:33

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one trick pony The PoetBay support member heart!
Reading this I thought of my own disillusion, at the same time I remember the inner-child.

Then I sighed.
2026-05-23


Sameen The PoetBay support member heart!
All a part of growing up innit? Had to learn the hard way too.
2026-05-23