Folding You Into Prayer

I opened the door,

believing love would know how to be careful.

I let someone in,

showed the cracks I usually hide,

and trusted that my heart was safe.

Days passed.

Sometimes their words hurt,

sometimes their silence lingered longer than I could bear.

Leaving felt heavier than staying,

but my heart kept choosing patience,

even when my soul whispered, protect yourself.

I learned that love is not always gentle,

but neither is letting go.

So I stayed tender,

even when it cost me quiet nights and unanswered questions.

And now, though I step back,

I fold them softly into my prayers,

letting hope and faith carry what my hands cannot hold.