You have my permission

You have my permission
to agitate me,
startle me awake,
lure me to strange places,
to erode my patterned ruts.
I have chosen you
to prop up
my promise
to grow.
This is an earned love
much bigger than applause and kisses:
it is a trust that
you know a darkness in me
that I cannot see.
It is a desire
to be guided
to my insides.
It is surrender,
thrilling
and safe.