My heart lives on my sleeve
I try to hide it away
But it seems to believe
It should be on display.

I told it to be discerning
To try and trust less
But it’s terrible at learning
And ends up in distress.

It feels the world around it
And other people’s pain
Ends up absorbing every bit
When I wish it would restrain.

But though I find this gruelling
And physically a drain
I know that it’s fuelling 
What makes us humane.

I will teach my offspring
To love with all their hearts
To grasp all that life can bring
Indulge, although it smarts.

Copyright  © Sophie Harrington (2016)