coming out
I hear your call
but might not heed it
coming out of my shell
is sometimes too much to ask
I like the freedom to retreat
into its sanctuary
into rest
pause and stillness
laziness of thought and action
into the shelter of quietness
when I join you
you get my presence, honesty,
immediacy of thought and feeling
my vulnerability and attention
you get me outside of hiding
naked, undefended
and open hearted
and in between our encounters
I have a need to recuperate
and withdraw into my shell
quietly and undramatic
maybe, one day
I will make my home wherever I am
letting go of my hard shell
maybe, one day
we can be at home with each other