This Heart of Mine

Let's state the obvious:
Broken? Check.
Abused? Check.
Neglected? Check.

Cause and effect.
That's the reality of life,
But it does not define.

My heart?
My heart is something beautiful,
Something merciful,
Something exposed.

It's bloody.
Dripping with love and empathy
For the souls that capture it,
Deservingly, undeservingly, and unaware.

It rejoices when those held in it
Smile with the slightest achievement,
Laugh with the simplest joy,
Or rise triumphantly from the most painful ashes.

It aches when those it cherishes
Suffer loss of love or life,
Struggle to recognize their own value and worth,
Or latch on to something or someone harmful for them.

My heart?
Is it afraid? Yes.
Is it damaged? Yes.
Is it vulnerable? Yes.

But it still beats
With rhythm and strength.
And it will bleed with love and light
Until it returns
To the One who created it
Just as He wanted it to be.

Arise
Acrylics on Canvas
Artist: Kate Hart