I retreat in subtle ways, Through quiet delays, distant gaze. Not out of anger, not from spite, But, from the fear of losing my light. I’ve learned that love can alter shape, Can turn to violence overnight. So part of me stays packed to leave While part still begs for room to breathe. And maybe that’s the strangest ache To want the thing that makes you shake. To long for closeness, yet resist The very hands you wish to kiss. Still somewhere underneath the fear, A softer truth grows quietly here… The heart was never meant to hide, It only learned to survive.