To accept love in, you must greet
the wounds of past pain.

They must follow your side
and be your future gain.

To want freedom from respect
there must be no strain.

Love will come freely, float in
full technicolor on train.

When you first accept your truth
be it sunshine or rain.

When you no longer hide, you welcome,
then, and only then my friend, will it not be in vein.

**first written and shared via Facebook on 29 August