Fear

i have this
fear
that i'm too
odd
for people.

even though
you're all
strange
as well

i become
scared
that i'm just too
different

and that i just might
not
ever
fit in

i mean,
i do have
great
friends

and they
accept me
for who i present
myself to be

but i still
hide
beneath my
skin

afraid.

i never
let them
close enough to
see underneath

fear is what
keeps people
from loving
me.

why do i
do this
to
myself?

i'll never know.
but
exposing my
heart

will take
much
much
practice. 

but i'm willing to learn.

i want to learn.
i want to learn.

& then my heart
whispers
just don't get
burned.