This morning I was greeted
by someone whom I solely miss...
How I have yearned to see her smile!
The sheer simplicity of appreciating the beauty of her lips...
Her face has changed- yes its seen a few 'city miles',
Lines carefully etched by time and experience.
Her eyes, even through the tears
coming to the realization that
what was old is now new.
Without a word I knew I must embrace the past-
accept the unfamiliar.
Although she has loved pretty boys and players
all of whom devoured her charms
leaving only gristle and bone for me...
She now opens her heart and arms - to me.
I looked deeply into a soul that has survived
by the construction of blockades
designed to hide the scars of
Divorces (yes three)
the loss of the unborn
the joy of the born
the loss of a parent
acceptance of all she lacks  (foremost being beauty).
I can remember when she started construction
to keep others at bay.
Walls now crumbling  tattered and frayed
with no motivation to patch or mend...
This woman so strong
(although lacking that certain grace)
offered the world four
strong, intelligent respectful, good men,
fathers and
husbands.
None of which,  intimidated by love.
This woman I am learning to love
discovered the hard way-
how to teach young men independence
-the agony of letting them go.
followed by the malady in the
realization that she will be companionless.
This strange, mysterious, exquisite being-
amazing in all she is and can do...
is opening her world
shattering barriers
Offering something foreign to a wretch like me
-unconditional love
This time I will
embark on this journey across uncharted seas
What she is offering is extremely rare-
for she is me.