fear knocked on my heart
because i liked you
the thought
you’re the porcelain i might break
but you’re only worthy of diamonds
i couldn’t afford
i couldn’t shower your heart’s desires

all your incentive and allowance
to splurge throughout the night
only made the climb steeper
to be a step ahead of the allure
and retain the innocence
free of conviction
disappointment
and hurt

my caution
the safeguard from the whim
that makes a foe of a friend
and lugs the baggage without grace
a risk i wasn’t willing to take
you were too precious
to falter and fail

© jacob greb — from lovers’ tiff: a ballad