Love Poem: Walls Not Included
Linda Smith Avatar
Written by: Linda Smith

Walls Not Included

I didn't know what was important.,
I toiled daily for the things I thought I wanted.
I had convinced myself this was the life
I was supposed to have.
I unknowingly placed a huge burden upon myself.
Don't disappoint.  Don't listen to your heart.
Listen to your brain.  Do what is right.
It is expected of you.
I did these things to fill
a desperate need within myself.
A need I purposely neglected.
One I couldn't face not alone anyway.
Then, one golden morning, I realized and admitted
what that need was.
I faced my greatest enemy...fear.
Fear of disappointment.  Fear of anger.
Fear of repulsion and disgust.
With your love to help me, I conquered those fears.
I now realize how much I missed.
I was so scared to see who I was.
I was like a small child
hiding under the covers
to escape the monster 
lurking in the dark.
I was afraid to unmask the real me.
To do so would mean I would have to 
break down the walls I had built
to surround my true self.
This was a task at which
I had no idea where to start.
I had hidden inside myself
for so long that I had
almost forgotten who I truly was.
Your love gave me the courage to destroy
those walls, brick by brick.
I can never express to you
how much I love you for this.
I give you all of me,
walls not included.