I wrote poems this week, on our 11th anniversary:
SWIMMING
When the rosy fog of our honeymoon
lifted with the clouds
When our minds got hijacked and we couldn’t remember
feeling pleased or proud
When demons from our childhoods
came around to haunt us
When false illusions of escape
came around to taunt us
When echoes of discouragement
said we couldn’t win it
We didn’t take the easy road
we battled and stayed in it
When a well-meant word, a kind request
felt like an attack
When despite an openhearted gesture
we chose to watch our back
When mistrust and pain and disappointments
became a daily tune
When it felt like the only line of defense
was an impenetrable cocoon
Rather than taking the easy road
we planted ourselves and stayed in it
We sought out help, and we slayed a few demons
not knowing if we’d win it
And when the earth cracked open
forming oceans between us
We decided we would swim it.
BRILLIANCE
Some people show their smarts through grades
Or write impressive books
Composing symphonies and plays
can checkmate with one rook
Your brilliance goes way deeper dear
impactful as the sun
It’s hitting me with pillows
when I can’t be having fun
It’s knowing that I feel upset
when I say that I’m ok
It’s knowing how to make me laugh
It’s knowing how to play
It’s knowing how to have a fight
And how to have a spine
It’s knowing how to follow me
And how to hold a line
Every person in our neighborhood
thinks that you’re their friend
You know when to give people breaks
you know when not to bend
The person sleeping on a bench
the rich guy with a name
Both know that when they talk to you
you’ll treat them just the same
Your nephew every single week
waits for your arrival
Your kindness, playfulness and warmth –
a matter of survival
So yeah, you’re brilliant playing bass
and with guitar repair
But your brilliance can’t be measured love
it’s evident as air.