An Open Heart

An open heart feels light and free.
It bursts with joyful anticipation.
It ripples like a fresh stream
through dark water
alight with sunshine.
Its corners are soft,
and it is plump
with goodness and hope.

My heart is wide open
but clenching now,
closing its borders
rather than risking
a shattering.

How to keep the windows of my heart open--
How to let in possibility's air--
How to ignore the deep instinct
that has recently come calling?

Latches are tightening.
Shutters are closing on the lovely light
that has flitted softly between us.