I am afraid

of the new.

The fact is pointless

to deny.

And if anything is new –

it is this.

I’m unprepared

and inexperienced.

A first kiss

to a new reality –

the thought

is positively

frightening.

I turn my nose up to change

convinced my old ways

are sufficient.

I shelter my own conscience

out of responsibility…

or lack of thereof.

People tell me

to live…

how do I

do that...

without you?