Undoing Defensiveness

 

What is there really to guard or protect,
When fear is a reflex, on which to reflect?
A word like "jerk" gets thrown in the air—
But is it about you? Defense keeps it there.

 

Be curious now, not caught in a fight,
What stirred their comment? It’s not wrong or right.
When you feel heat from something they said,
Ask what’s there for them, get out of your head.

Let go of the shield, lay down your sword,
There’s peace in the pause, not in the war.
Nothing to prove, no truth to defend—
Just listen, just care, just be a friend.

 

Your partner sighs, “Why you’re so exact?”
You tense for defense, quick to react.
But what if you paused, staying open and clear,
  “I’d like to know more, my darling, my dear…”

 

Your boss sounds harsh, and you’re feeling small,
But maybe they didn’t mean that thing at all.
Ask what they meant when they said what they said—
With softness, not armor, the way clears ahead.

Let go of the shield, lay down your sword,
There’s peace in the pause, not in the war.
Nothing to prove, no truth to defend—
Just listen, just care, just be a friend.

 

A friend asks for money, your fear starts to swell—
For you must take care of yourself just as well.
Speak from your truth, with love at your core,
“Let’s find a way works for both of us more.”

 

To listen and give ear is not to agree,
Nor caving or bending or down on your knees.
You’re still your own guide, still holding the pen—
You can say “no,” and still love them again.

Let go of the shield, lay down your sword,
There’s peace in the pause, not in the war.
Nothing to prove, no truth to defend—
Just listen, just care, just be a friend.

 

Welcome to freedom, sweet and profound,
Where love and respect are mutual ground.
As you stop the war and peace starts to soothe,
You’ll find there was nothing ever to prove.