You Have My Heart – A Poem

Many years ago, I gave you my heart.

It was battered and there were scars

that ran across its surface.

It didn’t like to be touched and there were

staples, tape and elastic bands

holding it together after being broken

so many times before.

You took my heart gently and promised

to honour me by keeping it safe.

Over time, you removed each piece of tape,

every staple and each elastic band.

Every time you told me you loved me,

a staple would fall away.

When you said that I was beautiful,

an elastic band would snap and fall away.

One night, I watched as you plucked each staple

from my heart and you kissed each wound

so that it would it close.

Piece by piece, you removed the tape,

making sure to promise my heart

that it would want for nothing.

When I asked you why my heart wasn’t broken

with nothing to hold it together,

you showed me that you’ve been holding it,

held gently in your hands

like a talisman or a touchstone

since I gave my heart to you all those years ago.

It should have fallen apart,

but under your care my heart has grown,

filled with the love that you have given it.

You have sustained my heart and my spirit,

helping to make them shine bright again

through your support and love.

More, you have made me realize

what love really is and I am so lucky

that I get to fall in love with you again

as every day begins.