If An Honesty Is Given - Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

I am not one to hide emotions,
To have them spared.
I am a human being and I want that known,
With feelings 'here' and 'there' to be shown...
And shared with others who also care.

Those afraid to express themselves,
To keep hidden those sentiments to protect.
Do themselves much injustice,
When 'they' expect...
Others to understand what they can not confess.

What point is it to keep feelings deep,
To have others guessing...
What is below the surface kept.
While those denials one accepts...
Are secretly peeking from such inner depths.

What point is it to wish for honesty,
If one has not taken those steps to believe...
If an honesty is given,
Shouldn't that one who has given it...
Have expectations for honesty to be received?