You, my darling, are not exempt from paying the debt of humanity.

Not one among us is perfect.

So you will pay...in flustered words and minor failings.

In ink smudges and torn edges and broken pencil stubs.

In speeding tickets and dismal grades and board game losses.

You will pay in tangled hair and dark under-eye circles.

Your feet will stumble up the stairs once in a while,

and you may inflict pain upon a loved one, whether by cruel intention or simple mistake.

For we are a flawed race.

Some of us pay heftier fines; dealt out in broken hearts and shattered dreams.

Those brave souls suffer more than the rest of us.

No one can say exactly how much you will pay, but the inevitable truth remains that you will pay something.

You will cry, and ache, and stumble as you go.

But do not worry, dear. For in all of this, you will still be beautiful.

#beautifullybroken #madeofmistakes

The strongest heart is not the one that resembles a fortress

All covered in armor and hidden within mighty walls.

Armed men circling the structure 24/7 to ensure that no stray creature will lay siege to the treasure they protect.

No, the strongest heart is the one that presents herself in pure form.

She stands out in the open. Raw. Beating bravely. Exposed.

Daring to be vulnerable.

Her voice proclaims, “Love me...or don’t. Regardless, I will love you.”

She does not fear rejection.

She has been broken time and again, and yet longs for the opportunity to love more.

Out of her aching, she only breathes more love and passion into those around her.

Nothing can stop this heart.

It will continue to radiate light forever.

How much does it love?

Whom does it love?

Where are the boundaries?

There is no limit.

It loves as it beats.

No one makes me cry quite like you do…

which is how I know you are so important.

Every time you break my heart, I realize how much I really love you.

And that’s why I’m still here...to see what comes of this powerful affection.

As much as it hurts me to love you,

It would hurt me more to stop.

Cold stone walls all around, constructed by my own hand.

Sitting on the frigid ground alone, shuddering and shivering as my own icy voice echoes around me...taunting me.

You think you’re so great don’t you? If people only saw the truth…

I am defenseless...who can save me from myself?

Outside they call to me. “Come live with us! It’s sunny out here, we know you’re beautiful and we want to see you!”

You believe them don’t you? You arrogant little bitch. They would hate you if they saw you.

My hands stretch around my head to shield me from these words. “Stop…” my mouth quivers.

What’s that? You have something to say? Oh well this is new! Let’s hear it, I’m sure it will be BRILLIANT.

“Just leave me alone…” Aww poor little you… Wait, is that a tear?! Oh wow, look, she’s crying. Now you really can’t go out there; they think you’re strong.

I tuck my head between my knees and rock back and forth.

The voice gives up after a while.

And then I feel it. A hand reaches for one of mine and holds it firmly and gently. It strokes the top of my hand and wrist. I look up to face my rescuer, and I see my own face staring back at me. The voice from earlier pours out of this creature, yet this time the ice is replaced by rich velvet. It’s all right, she murmurs. You’re safe with me. I’m the only one who can love you for what you are.

My twisted soul aches for love. It doesn’t know who to trust anymore, but here she is...so I whisper, “Ok” and she embraces me. All of the pain leaves my body, and I know I am safe. Warmth radiates from her core. Stay with me, and you’ll always be ok. My head rests on her shoulder and a small smile creeps across my face.

As she holds me, something changes. The fire in her chest burns so furiously that suddenly it is cold. Icy. It seeps into me and burns me with a white hot fire. Is this fire or ice? Love or hate? Pulling away, I look at her, eager for an explanation. Her face has changed. She sneers at me and opens her mouth to speak. I wince at the ice that has returned to her voice. Welcome back.