But ...is it safe?

When you listen to my trauma, is it with compassion in your heart and kindness reflecting from the stars of your eyes?

Or is there a seeping darkness beneath the windows of your soul, wounded, neglected, and out for blood as you etch every breath of my vulnerability into the pits of your cerebral? Is there a bubbling madness lurking within that I haven't discerned?

Will my pain be used for your gain? Will it be weaponised against me?

Do I guard myself? Do I refrain from allowing you to know the past, my past? All in the name of creating safety for myself, at least that's something I can control, even if it's submerged in restrictions. I can avoid past pain transforming into the relevancy of the present.

Why would I risk pouring out my heart knowing the cup I've been given could be full of poison?

I have no desire to throw back a double shot of venom.

I know what it tastes like; I've had this plenty times before.

The scales of virtue dip from human to human.

To be vulnerable is to accept there's a chance of betrayal.

Unfortunately, the probability breaks records in society presently.

I find solace in knowing your darkness is safe with me.

Your trauma can be released.

Your pain can leave it's prison,

I'll empathise; I listen.

My nature is to understand, to provide a shelter,

Right here, safety is the foundation.

I should expect the same in return; after all, we are human.

But... is it safe???