In the depths of darkness, I conceal,
A heart once tender, now I harden with steel,
The pain of love, too much to bear,
So I close the doors, I refuse to care.

In shadows cast, I build a wall,
To shield my soul, to stand tall,
No longer swayed by love's sweet art,
I whisper to myself, "Harden mi heart."

Emotions buried, deep inside,
A fortress built, my heart shall hide,
No tears shall fall, no weakness shown,
A heart turned stone, cold as a stone.

But in the silence of the night,
When stars above cast gentle light,
A flicker of doubt, a pang of regret,
Do I dare to hope, to not forget?

The echoes of laughter, love's tender embrace,
Now distant memories, a faded trace,
Yet a spark remains, beneath the frost,
Yearning to break free, no matter the cost.

But fear prevails, a cautious fear,
Of letting go, of drawing near,
For love betrayed, once left me scarred,
And so I must stay strong, and harden mi heart.

Yet deep down, I know the truth,
That love's worth the risk, in age or youth,
So I'll strive to find the strength within,
To let love in, to let it begin.

For life's a journey, a winding road,
With love as the compass, the light that's bestowed,
And though it's hard, this heart to heal,
I'll find the courage, to once again feel.
© Peta-Gay Powell