Open House
Theodore Roethke
My secrets cry aloud.
I have no need for tongue.
My heart keeps open house,
My doors are widely swung.
An epic of the eyes
My love, with no disguise.
My truths are all foreknown,
This anguish self-revealed.
I’m naked to the bone,
With nakedness my shield.
Myself is what I wear:
I keep the spirit spare.
The anger will endure,
The deed will speak the truth
In language strict and pure.
I stop the lying mouth:
Rage warps my clearest cry
To witless agony.
One of the biggest fears many people have is that of loving someone. When we love someone we are giving them a precious gift, ourselves. We are also making ourselves vulnerable. When we lose that love viz a vie rejection, breakup, death, move, or something similar, we have a tendency to build walls around ourselves to protect ourselves from being hurt. My take is that the rewards of loving and being love far outweigh the personal hurt we feel if we lose that love. Love is a mighty health tonic and vital for our well for our emotional, physical, and spiritual well being. Don’t fear love. Embrace it. Allow yourselves to be open to it.
Why it matters: Sharing emotions and showing understanding creates deeper bonds.
If you’re feeling stressed or insecure, share it with your partner instead of withdrawing. Saying, “I’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately, and I just need some support,” invites closeness rather than pushing them away.
If a friend is going through a breakup, don’t just say, “You’ll get over it.” Instead, acknowledge their pain: “That must be really hard. I’m here for you.” Showing empathy reassures them that they’re not alone.
