Too Sensitive

They say I’m too sensitive,

That my skin is too soft.

They tell me to toughen up,

To cover myself with steel.

But I do not guard my heart with iron,

Nor do I lay brick walls around myself.

I leave myself bare,

Open and honest.

Allowing myself to be compassionate and true,

Showing every shade of red that flows through me.

It comes at a cost,

A price paid in full.

My heart throbs with pain,

Oozing blood like a river of rubies.

Scars line the strong muscle,

Covering it in a patchwork of silver.

No, I do not guard my heart,

And it bleeds thick and warm.