313

we carefully 
portray ourselves
to different people, 
picking and choosing
what parts of us
to show.
time to spin
the wheel of personalities.
who should we be
with them?
we cannot let him know this,
but
it will be okay if she knows.
why do we do this?
why is openness selective?
why do we pour out our hearts to strangers
and wish those around us would 
know us like they do?
why do we act differently
around some people
than around others?
why are we not consistent?
of course.
it is simple.
perhaps it is because
we are scared.
terrified that
openness with him
will break us,
but openness with her
will cause us to heal.
is it true?
family leaves.
friends leave.
lovers leave.
everyone leaves.
maybe--
how curious.
maybe we are open
to strangers
because they are so open.
accepting, not judging.
they are blank slates.
maybe we are open
to strangers
because it is as if 
they
have already left us
like everyone does.

--3.6.18