The Lock on My Heart...

Trapped in a cage called "innocence",
I silently cry and hide my tears.

Those around me call it a gift, a rare sight.
I see it as a barrier between me and the world that encircles around it.

...My parents are no different, they tighten the prison even more.
They bind me in chains of protectiveness and worry.

Can't they see they're hurting me?
Do they know I can barely breathe?

It's bad enough my own mind holds me prisoner,
and the chains dig into me as my body grows,
but now I see my heart is locked as well.

Always hiding, always smiling
Never to reveal it's true thoughts.

I can slip from the chains whenever I want,
but the cage and lock remain.

I grow tired of holding this key,
But cannot give it to just anyone.

Gripping it tightly, I wander in search of that person
who will value me as much as I do them...
and when I place the key in your hands,

Do not steal away what is there, do not tease and taunt at what I have guarded for years.
Love it, treasure it, hold on to it and never let it go...
for you are the only one who may see what lays inside my heart.
And if you do all of this and claim the key as your own,
I'll happily let you take me from this cage.

And more importantly, I would be honored if you would claim my heart...