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Why do some people not share -
their inner thoughts and feelings,
to others who are - supposedly -
their closest friend or lover?

Why are some people
so closed up,
that even they
don’t know they’re not sharing?

Who or what has hurt them so,
that they dare not open,
even a single crack
of their heart and soul,
lest they be hurt again?

What causes them
to lock themselves away from others?

Why do they cling
to one person they love,
as though if they let go for a moment,
that person would be gone forever?

What causes them to nurture a flame
to protect it,
to guard it from all -
but then not realize
that when guarded to closely,
a flame can die slowly
from a lack or need
necessary for life?

Why are they like that,
not realizing,
not understanding,
and not listening to others
who try to help    
or share with them?

Why are they
not willing to flow
with the currents of other peoples lives?

Who do they choose
to lie stagnant and unchanging?

So many why’s
and not enough answers
that cause anguish in our lives.

Copyright Dawn Harkness 1984