To the Next Man Who Comes Along

There are some things you need to know.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez via Unsplash

There’s a good chance we don’t know each other yet. There’s a good chance it’ll be a while. There’s a good chance I’ll try your patience. I want you to know what you’re getting into. You can’t say I didn’t warn you.

I’m sorry they broke my heart. It wasn’t my fault. I’m sorry I let them. But, I broke my heart too. I don’t want to do it again. I’m sorry you have to clean up the mess. I’m sorry there’s still a mess to clean up. I’m working on that.

Please know I’m not broken. I’m a little cracked. I’m not as tough as I make out to be. I don’t need you to fix it. I just need you to stand there, patiently, with tape on your outstretched fingers so I can grab a piece and fix the cracks.

I’m sorry I don’t trust you and you have to work twice as hard to earn what they took. It’s a big job. I’m willing to get into that hard work if you are. Be careful with my heart. With my soul. They’re skeptical of you. My walls were a necessity but I want you on the inside. You don’t have to fight your way in. I’ll let you in. Please don’t make me regret that.