I tried, it's true and what we once had was tried-and-true
and I'd be lying if I said you haven't tried it too.

© Matthew Harlovic

We were young and you caught my eye
My eye was dumb and I knew it
So I pushed you away
Because you were too young
You fool! Get away!!

I avoided you as long as I could

But you found your way into my heart
I know exactly when it happened

I came home from the army and you were different
You were a woman
You were beautiful

Cut to the chase
I made you mine
I was happy about that
We were happy for that

We made a baby
Out of love because I loved you
You were there and had me
The whole time I was gone
Overseas with no one to know
I did have you and you had me

I came back and things
Slowly started to break
I was broken
But we were young

I was so confused
About everything
I put a lot on you
And I am sorry for that

I still want you to be happy
I always have
I am here and I made it back
That is an issue I have been dealing with
Since I've been back

But, thank you
For looking out for our son in my absence
I know this won't make it right
But you won't talk to me
Face to face
And remember,
I used to be your best friend

I'm still here
And I'm trying to make things better
I am
Only a man

My heart skipped a beat
Not once, but twice!
In her presence I felt weak
On the edge of my seat
Vulnerable and nervous
I was afraid to talk
Not knowing what to say
"How are you doing today?"
And that seemed to be okay
She smiled the sweetest smile
It's direction was obvious
It's purpose intentional
I fell victim to it's power
And I knew at that very moment
That I would fall in love with her
I already had

I love the way you move
I love the way you walk
There is a certain grace about you
In the air that surrounds you
Even in how you talk

Your smile lights up a room
Your touch makes my heart
Burn with desire

Just being in your presence
Is time well spent
Feeling that my heart is safe
In your hands
Is priceless

You are the source
Of so much inspiration
It's difficult to explain
You make me want to better myself
Because you deserve the best man
That I can be

You "get" me
And I "get" you
I've never felt more
Understood or appreciated
For just being myself

You make me feel thankful
And I don't take that for granted

I love the way you move

this poem
is not about you

even though
your spirit is in every word
your voice sounds strong
in the halls of my mind
telling me things
I am now sure
I want to know

this poem is
about me

trying to understand
you