Him (A Ballad)

I’ve walked through flames in paper shoes,
Loved in shadows, paid my dues.
Fell for hearts with sharpened edges,
Swore I’d never trust the pledges.
Words were sweet, but hands were cold,
Every promise bought and sold.

{But then you came, quiet as dawn,
With green eyes I could rest upon.
And I braced for pain, like I always do,
But nothing hurt when I touched you.}

[You open doors and watch my eyes,
Like stars that read the morning skies.
You ask me “Is this okay?” and wait,
You slow your steps, adjust your gait.
You learned the things that make me shake,
And you never treat my fears as fake.
It’s hard to trust, but still I do,
'Cause gentle feels like truth with you.]

I spoke of storms that wrecked my past,
Of lovers who would love too fast.
But you just listened, didn't flinch,
Took in my pain without a wince.
You remember how I take my tea,
And what songs feel like home to me.

{You hold me like I’m not too much,
Ask how I feel before you touch.
I never knew love could be this still,
This safe, this kind, this deeply real.}

{[And maybe healing starts this slow,
A whispered “yes,” a soft hello.
A green-eyed man with open hands,
Who loves me like he understands.]}

[You open doors and calm my storm,
Your words are shelter, safe and warm.
You ask me things no one thought to say,
And love me in the quiet way.
You see the cracks and love me more,
Not rushing me to heal or soar.
It’s hard to trust, but still I do—
I trust the light I found in you.]