[You’re Safe With Me, I Promise]

I’m not careful.

I’ve dropped more things than I can count

I trip over at least once a day

I walk into things much bigger than me

Because I don’t pay attention.

 

But I pay attention when people talk

I notice quirks and mannerisms

I remember small details

And store them like secrets

Like precious treasures.

 

I’m accident-prone

My hands are covered in cuts

My legs are covered in bruises

And I barely notice

Because it’s normal now.

 

But I’m mindful of their personal space

I’m careful of their boundaries

I’ll swallow my words and my heart

To keep others comfortable

And put them at ease.

 

I fall out of chairs

I trip up staircases

I slip on wet floors

And I spill enough coffee each week

To fill an entire new cup.

 

I’m not careful

Not with myself, at least

But with other people?

My hands will always be steady

And my heart will always hold you safe.