The Space I Keep

I fear the weight of love’s demand, The effort it takes to truly stand. To build a bond, to see it through— I’m not ready, though they wish I knew. They’ve liked me, smiled, and reached my way, But I’ve no strength for love’s ballet. To step in rhythm, give my best, Feels like a burden, not a quest. I’ve felt the sting of hearts I broke, Of promises made, then lost in smoke. So now I stay where it feels safe, Avoiding love, its fleeting grace. Once, I thought I’d give my all, To let my guarded barriers fall. But she didn’t feel the same as I, And now I let those chances pass by. It’s not that I don’t want to care, But my heart’s too fractured, too unaware. Of what it needs, or what it’s due, So I linger here, waiting for something true.