“Fence and Fortress, Sun and Thorn” (poem)

You do not see

the quiet man

For you know his heart may hide things

best unseen

And its hidden thorns may prick and stick.

–

You do not speak to

the wounded woman

For her hurts need not be yours

if you’ll guard yourself with upheld fence

You know not if her burdens are worth sharing.

–

You will not touch

the foolish boy

For fear of coarseness–or malice–trumps your intimate urge

And better the heart should shrivel in a fortress

than be exposed and pierced.

–

You will not know

the longing girl

For between her hidden, wanting heart and yours

lies the gap of barren, sun-scorched land

Wherein no shadows shelter.