Poem: Not Being Selfish, I Just Have Boundaries

I am not cold, nor turned away,
Just choosing peace, come what may.
A quiet no, a gentle line—
Not cruelty, but self-design.

I give with love, but not my soul,
I share my time, yet keep it whole.
You see a wall, I see a gate—
I open slow, I do not hate.

My heart is not a public street,
Where all may trample, all may meet.
It’s sacred ground, a sheltered flame,
Not every knock will earn a name.

I still believe in give and care,
But not in drowning just to share.
I’ve learned to pause, to check within,
To guard the place where I begin.

So call it selfish, if you must,
But know I’m acting out of trust.
For loving you, I must be me—
That’s not a cage, it’s how I’m free.

Thank-you for reading.

Much Love and light,

Brenda Marie