rubber soles on the linoleum floors

shiny tiles… marred by scuff marks

light blue sneakers… laced up

pad softly down the hall

sunlight streaming, rain weeping

salty tears trickle

and they never notice

stare at those once pure white tipped shoes

now are tainted…dirty

like my cracked heart

so afraid of being hurt

i cower in my corner

let none love me

or so I say

but that isn't what I mean…

wrap me in a comforting embrace

can you dry my tears…as they sparkle

in the fading light?

for once…protected, safe

can you project that feeling just for me?

can you be my shield?

can you reach for my hand…can you save me?

…will you?