I say I am through 
with the hurt of
starts and stops,
changes of heart, 
moving through life
from one more birth 
to one more loss.

I declare to self-
I will build a tall  
wooden fence
from inside out,
no gate, no key, 
just me, 
standing still.

Here I will shield 
my soul in an 
armour of silence 
making a haven 
where hearts can’t be 
broken, not again.

Even so, I know
that fences do not
bar the sun; 
light shines 
through every crack, 
despite the night
and my desires.

I breathe in memories
carried on a breeze,
recalling the gifts
that transcend time;
breathe out gratitude
for grace that mends
and transforms me.