"Guard your heart"

you'd say with a hug. 

I would nod

with a glance that says

"Of course". 

 

The trouble is 

you cannot find

the chink 

in your armor

until 

you've been pierced. 

 

Try as I might 

to protect 

to fortify 

to defend

my heart has suffered, 

taken a beating. 

 

 

 

Loving

is a trial by fire. 

 

Loving 

is a test 

of any 

values

strengths 

truths

that you held dear. 

 

Loving

as we all know

is not without

its complications. 

 

 

I cannot help 

but feel 

that I have

forsaken 

your advice, 

but only if 

I do not 

learn.