Bare

I wrote this poem for my AP Literature class and decided, to my surprise, that I actually quite like it.

This is a vilanelle about vulnerability and fragility: When you put your heart on the line, or act out of passion, just leaping into something without counting the cost, you must be exceedingly careful to avoid getting wounded. That passionate plundge leaves you exposed and vulnerable with your heart in the open and uncovered. The heart is indeed, such a fragile thing.

BARE

Step cautiously when soles are unclothed.
One foot at a time is preferred.
You cannot test the water with both.

The sticks and briers in the woody grove
Tear the soul’s flesh and leave it uncured.
Step cautiously when soles are unclothed.

Recurring prints I’ve come to loath.
Both feet remember those lessons learned.
So you cannot test the water with both.

Heart and sole make a fragile trove
And two feet mean for more wounds incurred.
Step cautiously when soles are unclothed.

Now to the edge of the miry cove,
Where the plunge is tempting and yet deferred-
You cannot test the water with both.

I danced on my toes but foolishly dove.
Now to be safe, I need heed this word:
Step cautiously when soles are unclothed
For you cannot test the water with both.