Gentle

I am not used to such a calm and graceful love

The only love I have ever known has been violent, overpowering and forceful

Tearing through my scenery like a strip mine,

Knocking over all my precariously stacked responsibilities

Leaving purple and blue fingerprints on my heart as it clutched and ripped it away

And not for any good use either

I have always been loved out of another person's curiosity for what was inside me

Only to be left reaching for a ghost, 

Once the mystery was solved, and it was discovered that my insides served little purpose for them anymore.

I have never known such a slow and gentle love

Like poured honey, migrating slowly over me until I am enveloped in it instead of caged by it

Adored instead of demanded

A love that is complete and warm, 

Passionate and accepting

Constant and strong

Understanding and deep

Running the entire depth of my soul

Reaching gently with nimble fingers into the tender and most tucked away soft corners of myself

The parts of me I had always kept hidden, saved just for myself

Now offered up eagerly to your kind eyes 

As you love me in such a lovely way.