An Intro to My Heart, a Preface not a Poem by Naomi Cohen


When asked what I’m looking for in a man, a partner, a lifelong friend and lover – it’s hard for me to respond. Maybe I don’t know – but probably I do. Maybe my heart has been broken. Maybe I’m afraid of the truth. Maybe I don’t believe anymore- is he out there? Is he looking for me as much as I’m looking for him? Has he given up hope as I have so many times before? Maybe he’s not out there.
But I want to believe that he is. I need to believe that he is. I HOPE he is because I’ve got to. I have to hold on to what I know in my heart to be true. Underneath all those layers, of sarcasm, of anger and sadness. And if I’m wrong then I’ve been wrong all along. And NOTHING matters.

                He needs to be honest. And he needs to listen. Really listen.
Because I want - no, I NEED someone who can listen. Really listen. Really hear my truth. And it’s not easy. It’s tough. And it’s not pretty, or cute or funny. It’s scary. And I bottle it up. And hide it away. And I put my guard up – no, my ARMY up so it can’t be seen. So it can’t be heard. Because I’m so STRONG. Because I’m so scared. I’m afraid of what you will think of me when you finally really hear me, finally see me; honestly, truthfully, LOUD and clear.

                                Will you still listen?
                                Will you still be here?

Or will you too, disappear?