Small

Tie me.
Pull away my fear, reveal
an undefended heart.
Listen as I plead
for mercy I don’t trust.

Don't reason.
I can't hear you when I get
this way.

I need to be
small,
the fragile core of longing
that I was when I began.
Smaller, smaller,
before strength when there was only
softness inside.
I need small hands again,
reaching, shielding.

I need to hide
my shame in your arms,
to feel the force of you
come down easy on me,

to know the tender pain
that brings

peace.