Seeds and Shadows

There is vulnerability here tonight.
Ripples in reality, rumblings in my soul,
a reset, a rising tide
nudging me toward the horizon.
I won’t be hiring out, to anyone,
the job of being my conscience.

There is gratitude here tonight.
When shadows emerged, you didn’t blink—
steadfast, you held the light steady,
revealing the muck beneath the lily pad.
I won’t be hedging bets on you, nor anyone—
I’ve fallen hard for true love’s kiss.

There is delight here tonight.
Tingling in my heart,
a quiver in my quill.
To see you in your element,
to meet in this shared reality...
I won’t cheapen the intimacy, nor sell myself short—
I trust our souls’ agreement.

There is doting here tonight.
Every little cell smiles,
recalling all the parts of myself—
the unwritten love story waiting to unfold.
I won’t be trading-off, nor trading-in
for a knock-off fantasy.

There is love here tonight.
Blossoming from seeds planted long ago.
To reserve judgment and just feel—
hands open, holding only the moment.
I won’t be denying hunger, nor chasing after mirages—
I am tethered to where my heart leads.