To Be Loved

There are parts of me I’ve hidden for so long that have started to collect dust.
Not because I wanted to lie,
But because I was scared of what might happen if someone truly saw me.

Not the version I present to the world,
But the real one.

The one who overthinks at midnight,
Who second-guesses worth,
Who sometimes pulls away just to see
If anyone will reach out and pull me back in.

I’ve worn strength like armor,
Not because I’m fearless,
But because I’m terrified
Of what showing weakness might cost me.

And then you came along.

You didn’t ask me to be perfect.
You didn’t need me to be put together.
You just wanted honesty.

So I gave you my heart.
Quietly, Carefully.
Piece by piece,
Waiting to see if you’d flinch

But you never did.

You stayed.
I softened.

Being vulnerable has taught me
That trust isn’t built on perfection,
But on presence.

It’s the way your hands stay gentle on my arm
When my brain isn’t gentle on my heart.

So thank you.
For not making me feel like I’m too much.
For reminding me that being open isn’t something to be ashamed of.
And for showing me
That I don’t have to hide to be loved.