Searching

Her fear kept her silent.
Desperation made her cling
to a love that was broken,
beaten and worn.
The loss she would feel
should she set free her thoughts
was a cost she was certain
her soul could not bear.

He asked her to speak.
In his eyes she could see
His expectation, demanding,
silent and strong.
She searched for the words,
reached deep down inside,
but failing, unable,
she turned and hid away.

Convincing herself
that her love was enough,
she ignored all that left her
unhappy and hurt.
But a whisper of doubt
her companion became.
And his words told her softly:
Be yourself, who you’re meant to be.

And the thought crossed her mind
should she follow his advice,
she must suffer that loss
aching and deep.
Yet what was the point
of an unfounded love
if she gave up herself
just to keep it alive?

The pain was severe
as she released and let go.
His heart for her life,
her own but alone.
And as she walked away,
her heart fractured, yet whole,
she told herself firmly
that she would survive.

So the hours slipped past,
the days turned into weeks.
And she found her footing,
Confident, sure.
Yet she missed the clear sound
of his voice in her ear
and the feel of his skin
on her fingertips.

Then the question sprang forth,
the answer fast on its heels.
Could she not truly have both,
herself and her heart?
For the thing she’d feared losing
she’d already lost—
through her own inaction
due to fear and distrust.

Her thoughts left unspoken
she suddenly voiced
and the heart she’d kept hidden
now opened, embraced.
He listened, accepted
and welcomed her home.
Her heart joined with his—
fear no longer reigned.