I’ve been burned before
My giving nature taken for granted
My friendship chewed up and spit out
My heart poked with holes

So, I’ve treaded more lightly this time around
Perhaps wiser than before?
Cautious about how much to give
Holding back some of myself
Maybe more than I should

You reached out and were kind
But I felt vulnerable, still
Till you gave me a new hope
And a shield to protect myself
From those who would hurt me

Then little by little, the walls began to crumble
A brick here, some mortar there
Until I left an opening
And you climbed in

Subtly to be sure
Not rude, outrageous, or ostentatious
Just clever, mysterious, and fun
And I smiled, and it felt good
Still, I kept a few pieces out of view

Over time I learned to laugh from my soul again
Untethered by doubts (or at least not as many)
Wondering if this time I could trust.
Thinking I shouldn’t hold back anymore

Pondering what would be a clear opening
Then a heart damaged by others,
People who should have been honor bound,
And I could hold back no longer
As the last piece fell

A mystery no more as we both took a look,
As I let go of the rope like I’ve not done before,
Allowing a window that no one has seen
Feeling safe enough to introduce you to the DJ inside my head 

It’s been a puzzle worth solving with carefully chosen words and
With a trust that evolved over time
Nothing rushed or pushed or uncomfortable this time
Just a leap of faith that paid off.