lesson never learned

"lesson never learned"
I've grown used to rejection 
   even if it doesn't 
   make it any easier,
I've been on the losing end 
of attention 
many times before 
   and even though my heart 
   has calloused over 
from so many years of experience 
   there are still those rare moments 
   the hardened skin loosens 
   and falls away 
leaving a small tender weakness 
   vulnerable enough 
   to the hurt all over again, 
it's just enough space 
for something to sneak in 
and make me believe 
like an idiot 
that perhaps this time is different 
but it usually isn't,
   usually it's just another lesson 
   to lay on top 
of that vulnerable spot 
and begin hardening my skin again.

-Armando Torres