Sheltered

My heels are carrying this fragile heart

Down the boulevards, between rows of glittering store fronts.

Variations of the female form meander by on either side,

Glittering in their glamour and fancy attire.

But I am cautious --

Covering my heart with my palm,

I prevent it from seeing and becoming enamored

Or overly attached.

Enticements are everywhere.

Brilliant smiles and limpid panes

Coruscate in the evening's dying breaths

As you sidestep past me,

Your attention elsewhere.

I watch you retreat down the gauntlet of neon graffiti,

My heart oblivious beneath these sweaty fingers.