Trauma said to my self-esteem:
"Hatred of self is the currency for love that would otherwise be freely given."

Except, all of that hate doesn’t equate
Love — that which is freely expressed.

To my soul, Commitment confessed:
"Abandon ship! To love and be loved is too big a risk."

To my heart, she cried:
"I love you. I’ll show you."

I’ve been walking a tightrope ever since.