I Did Not Invite that Man

I did not invite that man--

Who now stood before me--

Nor did I welcome him

Anywhere near me.

Persistent, with an open hand;

Insistent, his tempting bare Palm;

I did not want him to have it--

My still strong, beating Heart.

I held it in my hands

As my legs carried me away--

But he would only follow--

Forever calm and patient

So many of my strides

Would equal only one of his--

As my legs sped along

With my beating Heart.

It became harder to hold--

Why was it struggling?

It was called to that beautiful man--

To his tempting bare Palm.

I tired and turned to face him.

He reached for my hands.

My fingers relaxed and he took

My no longer beating Heart.