Your words are soft and inviting
Like warmed towels
Yet the glint in your eye says
“Back off”
The set of your jaw says
“Don’t push me”
And your hands semaphore
“I hurt”
I feel my spikes come out
And I curl to protect
My tender places from you
Back off
Don’t push me
I hurt
This is my rough edge
Can I stay open, stay put
Until your eyes, your jaw
And your hands
Echo your words?
