Love Poem: Soiled Love
Richard Rodriguez Avatar
Written by: Richard Rodriguez

Soiled Love

You have given me my armor; 
                             such that it has never been pierced           
you have given me my sword; 
                       such that it has been tempered                            
you have given me my shield; 
   such that it has never been breeched                            
                       but alas; I fear, 
I am not worthy of such tidings,      
for I stay unsure within the armor
the sword hangs limps from my untrained hand,
the shield, which weight I cannot long endure
my soul is weak as my spirit lay broken,
I have taken your dreams and disregarded your hopes;
forgive me for being me, 
lest you banish me for an eternity