My hair falls flat and lifeless
Your fingers no longer run through it
My forehead crinkles in bitter thought
Since your lips no longer rest there so easily
My eyes brim uncontrollably throughout the day
Because yours no longer meet mine with any feeling
My nose doesn't feel much different,
Except your hand no longer gives it those playful pokes
My cheeks still get warm and red
But now it's with embarrassment at what a fool I am, you obviously no longer find me attractive
My mouth forms frowns more than ever
When I'm lost in memories since you no longer breathe life into me with every kiss
My neck feels too exposed
Now that your hands and mouth no longer gently move there

My shoulders both sag and carry tension
You no longer provide joy (or give shoulder rubs)
My arms feel empty
Your body no longer presses against mine in a warm embrace
My hands grasp thin air in the night
When I wake up and remember your fingers no longer interlock with mine
My chest always feels tighter
When I see your face because your heart no longer beats for me
My stomach rolls in a much different way
Because you no longer give me butterflies

My back doesn't feel strong
Like it should for someone of my age since you no longer give me reasons to feel strong
My thighs are simply a part of my body
They don't tremble anymore because your hot breath and touch no longer linger there
My knees are weak
When I think that you may have no longer loved me for a long time
My feet ache at the end of the day and it's noticeable
Because I stood through another day with you no longer by my side

My brain tells me that you're no good for me, it wasn't meant to be
You no longer have the feelings I'll always feel for you
My heart tells me it can beat without you, it's stronger than all of this
But it's having an awfully hard time now that you're no longer mine

I don’t have a role in this play anymore,
Despair,
I am no longer destined to be the quaint housewife.

I still have a role; it’s just open now,
Courage,
I am no longer destined to be the quaint housewife.

I am not the princess in this tale,
Despair,
I am no longer destined to be the quaint housewife.

I can be the warrior,
Courage,
I am no longer destined to be the quaint housewife.

I am not the sidekick,
Despair,
I am no longer destined to be the quaint housewife.

I am the hero,
Courage,
I am no longer destined to be the quaint housewife.

I have no one looking out for me,
Despair,
I am no longer destined to be the quaint housewife.

I can do as I please,
Courage,
I am no longer destined to be the quaint housewife.

I don’t know this place,
Despair,
I am no longer destined to be the quaint housewife.

This place is new,
Courage,
I am no longer destined to be the quaint housewife.

I need hobbies,
Despair,
I am no longer destined to be the quaint housewife.

I have time,
Courage,
I am no longer destined to be the quaint housewife.

My future is uncertain,
Despair,
I am no longer destined to be the quaint housewife

My future is uncertain,
Courage,
I am no longer destined to be the quaint housewife.

I am no longer waiting for a special occasion; I burn the best candles on ordinary days.
I am no longer waiting for the house to be clean; I fill it with people who understand that even dust is Sacred.
I am no longer waiting for everyone to understand me; It’s just not their task
I am no longer waiting for the perfect children; my children have their own names that burn as brightly as any star.
I am no longer waiting for the other shoe to drop; It already did, and I survived.
I am no longer waiting for the time to be right; the time is always now.
I am no longer waiting for the mate who will complete me; I am grateful to be so warmly, tenderly held.
I am no longer waiting for a quiet moment; my heart can be stilled whenever it is called.
I am no longer waiting for the world to be at peace; I unclench my grasp and breathe peace in and out.
I am no longer waiting to do something great; being awake to carry my grain of sand is enough.
I am no longer waiting to be recognized; I know that I dance in a holy circle.
I am no longer waiting for Forgiveness. I believe, I Believe.

-Mary Anne Perrone

Photo: Ingmari Lamy
Via Sacred Dreams