The truth is that I like you.

I like you but there is another truth in the fact

That I had a boy hit me.

He was kind and then one day he hit me.

He was sweet and then one day he hit me.

He said I was beautiful and then one day he hit me.

He said kind words like you said kind words

And my body, my instincts, developed from that one hit

My reaction came to me and I ran.

Because I thought that kindness was a way to make me vulnerable.

I thought the gentleness you showed was a way to lure me in.

I had visions of coming close, of being trapped.

How horrible, how sad,

That when I see a gentle soul,

I feel like it is not the truth.

That the human is incapable

Of expressing kindness,

Without expecting something in return.