“Kiss me, dear poet.”

“Find my lips in my words. Let them touch something in you, like a kiss.”

“Why do you wear a mask?”

“A mask allows me to let go and be more creative.”

“Don’t you think you should take it off… for me?”

“No.”

“We all put up walls to protect our heart, Gentleman Dave. Mine are as tall as yours.”

“I am wild and rough around the edges.”

“Oh, good. So am I.”

“So my walls are rustic, complex. I doubt if you’d understand the real me.”

“I’d like to spend the night trying.”

“You don’t give up easily.”

“It’s not my forte.”

“What do you see when you look into my eyes?”

“Comfort. Caring. I want to settle here.”

“Like build a house, settle?”

“Like nestle closer and feel your heat kind of settle.”

I am not who you think I am

Rather rough around the edges

Headstrong and wild

Fiercely loyal and emotionally complex

However, judge me, stone me, deride me

And you will miss

All the qualities that exist

To keep this heart together and alive

Come deeper, if only you would see…

I am the galaxy’s stars radiating love

The heart that beats for a woman’s affection

The caring friend at the end of the line

The softest comfort to a shivering bird

The tenderest smile that warms your heart

The eyes of light that brighten your day

The sweetest touch to a thirsty soul

I am these and more

If only you would see

Me for who I am.