You are so lovely in spirit
in appearance and deed.
Is it any wonder I lost myself
in your loving countenance?
My thoughts become iterations
of your insights I ingested
just being in your presence.
No need and no knowledge
have I of where you end and
I really begin.
It never dawned fully in me
that this was the wrong way to be.
Nothing stirred above a low hum
that you and I could be a more rounded we,
that embracing our individuality
would bring a closer, fuller, us.
As time went by we spent less time
being inseparable at home and out.
I learned to be without you and to
hear my own opinions and inclinations.
My interesting discovery upon
receiving my Self in full intelligence
was that I brought much more to us
as a complete me with my own
insights, reflections and choices.
I’ve found, it seems, the more delightful we
that rejoices and revels in a collection
of thoughts instead of a collective mind
that endeavors to move sluggishly forward in
the unnatural cadence of two inclompletes
laboring to move as one.
© 2010 Shari Lynne Smothers
Day 18 prompt: Write a ‘lost & found’ poem; details here from 2010 November PAD Chapbook Challenge
This poem will likely look a lot different when I return with my scissors. I like it, but I don’t and just now I can’t put my finger on the brokenness. I’ll work it out in editing time—if I don’t return to it later. By then, I’ll likely have a title too.
