I have two choices in life, as I peruse

the menu of the near middle-aged:

to close my heart, keep it starved,

or remain open to all manner of plates.

 

A closed heart is cruel, deluded,

refusing the delicacies of life,

complains about service, never leaves a tip,

self-righteously deprived of that extra slice.

 

An open heart can skip to the table

that’s rich with the finest cuisine,

selects the plump, the juice, the core,

and dines with the grace of a queen.

 

Hard-of-heart leaves me safe but cold.

An open heart is at risk of hurt.

Hard-of-heart picks at the bones of life.

Open heart eats starter, mains, dessert.

 

Waiter!

I’m putting my order in now…