This piece is dedicated to the loves of my life. Thank you for being there through thick and thin.

When people talk about the loves of their lives, they often do so in a romantic context.
I dare say that this view is limiting, and I am vexed.

Sitting on her couch and talking about her wedding,
Going for sip and shop events and just plain old yapping,
Watching them wakeboard in the Mediterranean while the wind is blowing.

Scheduling phone calls that traverse time zones,
Sharing deep changes and new experiences over the telephone,
Being a shoulder for them to cry on when times are rough,

Sending reels and memes that are IJBOL coded,
Laughing over idiots who were just the absolute worst,
Making home-cooked meals full of love and joy,
Groaning at the jokes made and the puns that are loaded.

Cackling like witches on Calle Serrano,
While talking about how silly things used to be,
Eating near Retiro and perusing the delights of Notting Hill.

These things  show depth and intimacy,
My friends know me in a better way than my lovers,
They see me for me and hold my feet to the fire,
I do the same for them, but often to the tune of the lyre.
We talk about love, life, and everything in between.

My love is platonic and romantic,
It’s big enough to cover all of its aspects,
If anything, life has taught me that your friends are like stars, guiding you at night to where you have to be.
We are all part of a galaxy that makes us you and me.