it was evident that day
the fire in your eyes
as I walked up the stairs
with my mask securely fastened

I had to keep reminding myself
it was only the second time
but I wanted to say so much
let my thoughts spill out my mouth

I didn’t want to scare you
with my emotions and my secrets
make you think
I had any sort of expectations

but honestly
I only held back
because in fact
I was scared

of your
rejection
judgement
never being enough

I don’t know what I’d rather
face the firing line
or tend to your fire
and risk the burn