the heart doesn’t really break
what happens is we discover
the mind is not in control
and it never was
this causes a catastrophic meltdown
of our inner defense system
that reveals the truth –
we are fragile and vulnerable
exquisitely delicate
and, at our core, openness itself

we cover ourselves up
with our stories and our games
desperate to avoid the truth
desperate to avoid feeling
the full weight
of our humanity

but there it is anyway
our wisdom and depth
wrapped up in our
existential suffering
what paradox!
what beauty!
what a gift!