If I Ever Love Again

If I Ever Love Again

If I ever love again,

It will not be reckless.

I have already given my wild heart once,

And watched it learn silence.

I will not ignore small signs,

Or dress red flags in softer colours.

I have learned how hope can lie,

When it is desperate to stay.

If I open my hands again,

They will not tremble for approval.

Love will meet me standing upright,

Not kneeling in fear of loss.

I will not shrink to be chosen,

Nor stretch to fill someone’s emptiness.

I am not a patch for broken pride,

Nor a cure for loneliness.

If I ever love again,

It will be calm as morning light.

Not chaos dressed as passion,

Not silence disguised as peace.

He will know how to stay,

Without making me beg for proof.

And I will know how to breathe,

Without waiting for reassurance.

If love returns to my door,

It will knock gently, not break it down.

And I will answer slowly,

With wisdom stitched into my heart.