(for my husband)

I now understand why matters of the heart are

not black and white and why to the naked eye

this might be casually mistaken.

Emotions will masterfully plot her course and defy

even the strongest intent of reason when it’s this fierce and uniquely intense.

When the transition from "like" to what you feel right now inexplicably forces its way into your being and you are compelled to respond and eventually surrender to its bidding.

Its aroma will waft your eyes shut and your heart

wide open when you begin to love someone beyond

who you are and even beyond who you want to be.

Forgive me when I appear to withdraw and seem

distant…it is because my thoughts have taken me

on a journey outside of myself and I’ve ended up

at a place where you and I met for the very first

time and our hearts synchronized with our minds

and we connected…divinely, purposefully.

Each kiss, each touch, each sweet gentle word inspired me beyond desire, each thought motivated me beyond pleasure, each whisper enlightened me beyond my doubts and fears.

You’ve shown me how to receive and reciprocate

kindness and respect.

You’ve shown me how to receive and reciprocate

honesty and integrity.

You’ve shown me how to receive and reciprocate

beauty and light.

You’ve welcomed me into your secret chamber of

hope and you’ve trusted me with the details of

your life’s vision.

I’ve learned through your example how to

live beyond my past and love beyond who I am

and even beyond who I want to be.