My Shell Poem by Cheyenne Watkins

Why can’t I trust?
Why is it so difficult?
You’ve never done me any wrong.
You tell me you love me.
Maybe it’s not you I don’t trust…
Maybe I don’t trust myself.
Maybe I’m scared to love,
To love unconditionally -
Like you do me.
Am I scared of love?
Why should I be?
Because…
Because love is new.
Love is exciting.
Love is exhilarating.
Yet love is…
Is terrifying.
It’s full of sacrifices,
Full of self-realization.
Maybe that’s what I’m scared of.
Of showing people who I am;
Of showing of the true color of my soul;
Of letting myself shine.
And I’ve got to break out -
Out of my confining, pitch-black shell.
I’ve got to get free!