Poem - The Door

The idea for The Door first came to me after a work's night out just before Christmas 2012. I can't lie, a glass or two of festive cheer had been consumed by all concerned, and this was probably the catalyst for the deep, late-night chat that followed between myself and my two besties. 

Little did I know at the time that what my friends were going through would, some years later, become part of my story too.

The Door is a short poem about the internal battle faced by those who have been hurt by past relationship failures. It's about the moment when part of you wants to explore the possibility of a new relationship but fear stops you from doing so.

More than a decade later, I've dusted off the poem, given it a few tweaks, and here it is.

Dedicated to those two special friends, with love and thanks for their support and continued friendship. You know who you are!

THE DOOR 

Leave love waiting too long at the door,
and longing learns a different shape.
What was once a dream you moved towards
becomes a risk you dare not take.

The heart, wearied by the silence,
draws the curtains, turns the key.
Not because it believes no more,
but because belief comes not for free.

It remembers other thresholds,
other promises from long ago,
and how quickly they all faded,
leaving the familiar ache you know.

Heartbreak is a patient teacher.
It lingers where the shadows start,
Whispering that loss is well-known,
urging caution on the heart.

So love stands waiting at the doorway,
Fear keeps watch, as fear will do.
And the heart waits at the threshold,
Unsure of passing through.



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