I need to soften
To receive

I need to soften my hard edges of reality
My knife edge of protection
My box of spiked corners
My walls of no.

I need to soften my frozen petals
Melt them before they crack

I need to soften my smile into one of knowing
Instead of one of secret seduction

I need to soften to receive.

I need to soften my grip
My fingernails digging into the earth, dirty, desolate, desperate.

I need to soften my gaze.
The piercing distrust, mistrust, judgement and fear.

I need to soften my clenched jaw
My sigh, moan, cry
Scratching at my throat
daring me to release

I need to soften my aching longing
My body moving,
Dancing to my desire.

I need to soften

soften

soften

For when I do
My no becomes my yes
My box becomes my container
My smile becomes my secret
My cries become my pleasure

And my body becomes my temple.

-soften

Nora