· Introduction ·

This poem was written while I was trying to make sense of my feelings as I was falling in love. As me and my partner were getting closer I became more afraid. There was a resistance to him, a push and pull as my heart was uncontrollably bursting with affection and devotion, while my senses where screaming danger.

At that time I took the leap of faith and I ran to him. Later it became clear that my resistance was due to the presence of real love and commitment. The fear was a confrontation with truth. In the face of true love I saw myself mirrored truthfully, the beautiful and the ugly. All of me was seen and accepted.

Ironically, I found his acceptance of me difficult to accept. I had rejected the parts of myself he was able to love. This was confronting.

In essence, this is a poem about me falling in love and discovering myself in the process, while trembling in the need to be loved.

WHATEVER COMES

A point of gentle contact,
A smile from ear to ear.
A story mirrored to me,
A voice so sweet to hear.

Sadness at the parting,
Unknown for what it means.
Joy upon returning,
An embrace too lovingly.

Nought but an after thought,
Sprinkled with cautious fear.
What could be the reason
For nervous when he’s near?

Transforming with every meeting,
Understanding he is me.
Self hatred was the reason
For why he was unseen.

This point of gentle contact,
I smile from ear to ear.
This story reflected in me,
My vision becomes more clear.

Sadness at the parting,
I know just what that means.
Impatient for the meeting,
Embraced so lovingly.

To have you here beside me,
To feel you deep within.
To be in full completion,
Abide with you herein.

Right now I’m at a loss,
For that part I do not know.
Reaching out towards you —
Please say you love me so.

Elsewhere in The Province of the Mind: