THE HUMAN HEART

The human heart has hidden treasures;

In secret kept, in silence sealed;

The thoughts, the hopes, the dreams, 

the pleasures,

Whose charms were broken if revealed.

- Charlotte Bronte

THE VOW

How could I hide you
From hate?
I would,
Though my arms break
With the trying.

Life leans in
At the window there,
With its bag
Of dark treasures
Trying for your eyes -
So utterly open,
So unaware.

You will see
Men smile over blood,
And you will know
There is hate.
You may see bombs
And butcheries,
And you will know
There is horror.

Against all this
What can I do?
Only vow
That before you
Leave my arms,
You will know
Past ever doubting
That there is
Love, too.

- Carol Lynn Pearson