How My Heart Functions

This afternoon, words began shuffling around inside my head. So in accordance with one of my personal goals for 2011—which is to "spend more time on creative and inspirational things," including writing more often—I decided to write them down. The words freely flowed out of my mind, almost saying, "Thank you for releasing us." The result: a poem! I know! Strange, right? I don't write poetry. I don't even read poetry. But, nonetheless, I had, in fact, written a poem. So I figured I would share it with my readers.

Since today would have been the 90th birthday of one of my favorite actresses, I will dedicate this poem to Giulietta Masina.


How My Heart Functions
Written by David Douglas

There's razor wire around my heart for protection
But there's also a lock, waiting for the right combination
One day the lock will open
Or is that just my heart hopin'
I'm not trying to show too much emotion
I must have been given a love potion
The lock cannot be pried or sliced
It's not a game, though you could be diced
What's needed is a gentle hand with the right touch
But maybe that's asking too much
No one wants to put in the effort
But my heart would appreciate the comfort
Because one time someone showed affection
But left before finishing the combination
Now my heart has been nicked and is bleeding
But it has hope and will keep on beating