Shatter

‘Open your hand’ he says

’Take this gift from me

Then run and leave this mess

I love you; now be free’

As she opens her hands

To see what is there

He vanishes in time’s sands

Fading in thin air

A heart sits in her palm

Made of tiny gems

It beats no more so calm

And she weeps for him

’I want a heart that will not shatter

Wrapped in faith that will not fray

If I don’t care what does it matter

In this fortune of decay?’

So she stands there waiting

She will not let go

Constantly restating

His last words, though

Even her own hope fades

And life presses on

Through others’ doubt she wades

Disputing he’s gone

She whispers so quiet

‘Will we meet again?’

No answer, no riot

Only cold within

’I want a heart that will not shatter

Wrapped in hope no one can steal

If I don’t care what does it matter

How many lives I can heal?’

Another approaches

Clothed in mystery

She listens, reproaches

In him finds a key

This one’s words are winsome

But clumsy, direct

Though still her heart is numb

In it grows respect

The other in her hand

Crumbles and she stares

‘Come back to me’--a demand

‘Save me if you dare’

’I want a heart that will not shatter

Wrapped in trust that can’t be tamed

I want to care when it really matters

If you don’t, then be ashamed’

To save others she leaps

Only to flounder

All are playing for keeps

Arms wrap around her

Slipping from her fingers

The shattered gems rise

But the touch still lingers

She opens her eyes

The one she left behind

Will not let her drown

Says ‘You’re hard to find’

She nods, looking down

’I give you a heart that will not shatter

Wrapped in love I cannot lose

I do care when it really matters

But now I have to choose’