Love Your Heart

"...hear me now, love your heart. For this is the prize."
-Beloved by Toni Morrison


(heartbroken)



The walls of my mind are papered with hearts these days.

(heartsick)

My father died of a heart attack when he was 38. My mother died of lung and heart disease when she was 52. We have had an aunt and an uncle die in their 40s. And (a lifetime) 2 and 1/2 months ago, my sweet brother John's heart betrayed him.

(heartache)

I want to love my heart, but mostly I sit in the dark and listen to her beating (how many more).



I kiss my children (heart of hearts) and smile (heavy heart).
I search the faces and voices of those I love (near to my heart), desperately trying to see into their veins (get to the heart).
I keep reminding myself to focus, to care (have a heart), keep trying to be a better person (take heart).
I strive not to take my Life for granted (cross my heart).



But I have to admit that sometimes I am afraid (don't lose heart).
I still love it here (heart's content).
I want to see my children grow (pour out my heart).



And yet, I have lived an amazing Life, so full of joy and love (open-hearted) than I ever imagined when I was little (eat my heart out).
I found Chris (heart and soul), and he found me, and we saved each other in so, so many ways (heart in the right place).



I still cry easily (heart on my sleeve) and I am afraid (steel my heart), but I think I can love my heart.

Right now, I have this moment (heartbeat).
I'll take it.