I awoke to the sure, insistent beat of love
expanding in my chest.
Like a rose in three dimensions, it grew outward,
inward and upward, too.

With each beautiful throb I saw your face, your eyes
searching for mine at dusk.
With a half-breath of hope, I turned my head and saw
the breaking light of day.

Still, it's a gift - always a gift to me - to know
love continues to grow.
I blew an imagined kiss into perfect heart
of your soul and let go.

Unspoken prayer upon my heart wrapped up the pain
and I got up again
To face shadows of grey that cast themselves upon
bright possibility.

I carry truth that clamors for reality,
walk the way of honor.
I whisper a wish to lay quick this armor down
and live with abandon.

But the beat reminds me, too, of the toll taken,
of necessary wait.
Step by step, the rose expands, thorns piercing, ripping
dreams you planted in me.