Fringe
I tend to stay
at the edge
of relationships.
Of friendships.
•
I don’t know
what carved this
in me as a child, or—
why I keep my distance.
•
I won’t let
people close to me
until there is trust
they won’t hurt me.
•
Very few
have ever
known my heart—
completely.
•
Most stayed
once they found
themselves inside.
But it’s a lot to take in.
•
Some fled
and I understand why—
again,
it’s a lot to take in.
•
For those that stayed,
I opened up
to them completely
after trust was built.
•
These people
are my most
treasured
on this planet.
•
They let me
be myself—
become myself.
They love me for myself.
•
They accept my flaws
because I bring
goodness and a tender heart
with me.
•
I’m thankful each day
for those that choose to
stand by me.
I was worth the wait.
Your poem speaks with such honesty and quiet strength. The vulnerability in these lines feels both deeply personal and beautifully universal. I felt the ache of distance and the relief of true connection, the courage it takes to let someone in after trust is earned. The ending is especially moving—there’s so much hope in realizing you are worth the wait. Thank you for sharing this gentle, powerful truth about love and belonging.
I am the same way. Beautifully written Grant 🙏🏼✨