Pride

I vow
I will never be one of them.
Though I may indeed surrender my heart,
It will be prettily wrapped in gold and silver
And deep, royal blue
Befitting the expense at which
You have bought and paid for it.

Though I may indeed open my door,
You will never walk on red carpet through my mind,
Nor muddy my thoughts with boots soiled in sin.
You will enter my sanctum humbly, hat in hand,
Or wait on the doorstep like the beggar you would be.

Though I may indeed love you,
Laugh when you smile and smile when you appear,
I will never belong to you.
You may earn my heart and a place at my hearth
But the deed to my spirit is mine alone, and so
I vow
I will never be one of them.