Why does it hurt to know people care about me —
to let people care about me?

I have love to give;
I gave love to you.
It felt so simple, so secure.

That love is not gone;
it is not lost or replaced;
I don’t want it back.

It exists for you,
solely for you.

Yet, I have more love.
I am more than what was
and what will be.

I am tethered to you,
and you and you and you,
because I give love.

I relate to you,
and you and you and you
because I want to feel,
no matter the inevitable pain.

I know I am love
and loved,
but that second part —
to be loved —
that’s scary.

I’m already breaking from
the love I give.
What would happen if
I broke further after receiving it?