Heart In Progress

I have a heart-shaped box
not Cobain's but mine
it is blank and empty
waiting patiently

I tell myself I'll paint it
plaster it, polish it
but the bare wood is reassurring
it is mine to change

the edges are curved
it's pretty to look at
if potential is beautiful
step by step I fill it to the brim

with pictures
with words
with rhythm
with melodies

there will always be room for you
in the midst of the mess
I wait patiently for you to peel back the lid
tell me what you see