I was born with my heart outside of my body;
it bleeds and pumps and gushes.
Watching that fragile part of your body move involuntarily
is beautiful and frightening.
One simple catalyst and the blood rushes faster
and the muscle pulses quicker.
People look at my heart and think I’m weak,
vulnerable,
a target to aim at,
a trophy to be won.
But I am stronger than one might think.
My heart is open for all to see,
its mere presence comforting,
reminding those who need reminding that
we are all human: flesh, blood, muscle;
but also made up of
love and empathy and desire.
The heart is the intersection
of body and mind,
and I will proudly wear my heart on my sleeve.
