Paper Hearts

keep it close, please,

this love I leant you

on a temporary basis—

because my heart is

fragile just like paper

and it can be torn

just as easily.

*

carry my heart gently

like it's fine glass,

a ceramic cup,

or something precious—

but it's yours

if you want it

because I gave it

of my own free will.

*

let me keep yours

in my purse

for safekeeping—

or maybe in a hatbox

hidden away in my closet,

just somewhere I can know

it's protected and warm.

*

oh, you don't want

to give me your heart—

even though you have mine—

what a predicament.

is this what heartbreak's like?

there, see, the paper ripped

when you said those words.

*

if you can't take care of it,

give it back.

please.

my heart doesn't need

such willful abandon

or cheap words—

or anything you offer.

*

my paper heart

hasn't found its

safe haven.

give it back.

please.

no,

don't just throw it away.

why did you do that?

why am I just garbage

in your world of splendor?

*

tell me

what I really meant

to you.

tell me

if you loved me.

don't lie.

just be honest.

oh.

those were lies.

now I see.

my heart

never should have

been in your hands.