To be soft 

I want to be soft

not hard

Like warmed butter

not shard.

I want to feel the layers of armor peel

off my back

as the shell begins to crack

only to reveal softened scars

where the shards

once were.

The armor meant to defend

Had barbed its wire

Inward.

Put the armor on the shelf

and rest,

dear soldier,

rest. 

Like sore muscles giving in

To fleece kisses on bare flesh,

melt,

And let it all be

felt.

I want to be soft

Admiring armor aloft

A reminder that even metal

That refuses to relent

Eventually succumbs

To a dent.

You’re only human and doing your best.

Remember there’s still a beating heart

Behind the walls of a steel vest.

None of us know what’s coming next. 

Hardness is learned 

But softness,

doesn’t have to be earned.