Paper Hearts

Poetry

keep it close, please,

this love I leant you

on a temporary basis —

because my heart is

fragile just like paper

and it can be torn

just as easily.

*

carry my heart gently

like it’s fine glass,

a ceramic cup,

or something precious —

but it’s yours

if you want it

because I gave it

of my own free will.

*

let me keep yours

in my purse

for safekeeping —

or maybe in a hatbox

hidden away in my closet,

just somewhere I can know

it’s protected and warm.

*

oh, you don’t want

to give me your heart —

even though you have mine —

what a predicament.

is this what heartbreak’s like?

there, see, the paper ripped