1,245 Days
Borrowing a poem from Mary Oliver to remember you: Not Anyone Who Says
Not anyone who says, “I’m going to be careful and smart in matters of love,” who says, “I’m going to choose slowly.”
Nope. Mary Oliver’s opening words do not describe our particular story. We were young (so young!) and could not imagine much beyond moments back then.
Yet, how careful and smart it was that we recognized something special. Well, at first, it was more like a roll of the dice, if truth be told. Proven love takes years. But in time, we saw “us” and treasured us.
but only those lovers who didn’t choose at all
but were, as it were, chosenYes! We were chosen.
It seems irresponsible now that we trusted our inner reality; the core of us, we who would grow through 51 years 9 months and yield a pack of smart, sassy kids starting from 1969 through 1983. An entire pew-full in church. They became our hearts which we wore outside of our bodies . . .
and do still.
by something invisible and powerful and uncontrollable
and beautiful and possibly even
unsuitable —
O life, you are messy, aren’t you? O love, you are a storm!
how I miss that storm.
only those know what I’m talking about
in this talking about love.Yes, we know. We know what the poet references.
I miss you, love.
Somehow, you’re still here.
Will I ever feel those hugs again?
