Game of Hearts

Spanking the child wasn’t what hurt the most But saying he shouldn’t cry. Telling him be brave and eat your frog, Scars hurt even when we look away And those who inflict it call you weak. Saying you don’t deserve happiness because you cry when in pain These tears are the only words that say it all Too many thoughts for my poor mind to translate into words I said to myself, speaking would only hurt you Yet all you do is hurt me Not scared of the pain anymore, it has become kin I worry about when the tears run out At that point other outlets seem desirable The line between the good and bad will blur Even sadder is that I question my right to cry or feel pain Holding on to something precious always came with a price The only rule is don’t let go I’ll rather settle for pain and hurt not loss Your happiness over mine keeps hope alive The hole in my heart will eventually just be a scar after victory is won All I ask is that you be gentle and remember I’m only human More emotion than flesh and blood.