Frozen Embers

In love's garden, I've long worn a mask, Of nonchalance, a heart that's locked and tasked, To feel no depth, no passion's burning spark, A soul that's numb, as if forever dark, But now, I yearn to shed this careless guise, To feel the warmth of love's embracing eyes, To be vulnerable, to open my heart's doors wide, To let the beauty of love be my soul's inside, Yet, like a tree that's grown with roots so deep, My heart's defenses refuse to sleep, They warn of pain, of love's uncertain keep, And so I stay, in this numbness, locked and asleep, But still, I dream of love's awakening fire, That melts my mask, and sets my heart's desire.