It's Aunt Nora's birthday
She's partial to Belgian chocolates
I go with mama
To the candy shop
...
I’ve watched my love for you
Under construction in my heart
Like a pair of wrens
Building their nest
...
Thanks for calling
You're a gem
That is why
I said 'je'taime'
...
'I love you, ' I say
'Thanks for your courage, ' you respond
Courage? To tell you something about myself?
That's wasn't courage
...
I never knew
Anyone else could know me
Anyone else would recognize me
Or love me
...
You stood and watched
As your life was swept out to sea
The waves crashed over the pieces
Tumbling them round and round
...
I knew a teacher austere
Who had a compassionate ear
I'd spew forth my stuff
All the things I found tough
...
Your words scraped against my heart
Like 60 grit sandpaper until it was raw and bleeding
And now you know
What's under that cheap veneer
...
I could have sat keeping vigil at the bedside indefinitely,
Holding the metaphorical hand of this friendship,
And lovingly stroking its forehead,
Willing it to come out of the coma,
...
I draw closer to you, seeking unity
You want to tear out your kitchen counters
And replace your light fixtures
In your cozy little, all-your-own home
...