Love in the Aftermath

It used to be that they would look at one another with nothing but love in their hearts. They would lock gazes and smile as if they shared a little secret that no one else knew. It was a little secret of sorts. It was new love and it was their second chance to be together. Where timing and circumstance had once been wrong, this time together felt like destiny had intervened. Fate and a little act of cupid, they liked to believe. They felt lucky for their reunion and for every moment that they had to look forward to.

They embraced their new beginning. They discovered the depth of their love and the power of wanting one person so much. They traveled along in their bubble of love and bliss, untouched by the passing of time and the distractions of daily life. They felt everything good between them, and at the same time, they felt weightless. They drifted together, sharing conversations about their dreams and peering into each other’s souls. They loved wholeheartedly, with good intention, affection and compassion.

But, theirs was a love that wasn’t impenetrable. At times, it felt the weight of the earth and was grounded by pain. It experienced bouts of conflict and heartache. Theirs was a love that was fragile and with each new cut, the collective wound grew bigger and the suffering more intense. As time passed, their love continued to bruise and bleed inward, but they remained ever hopeful. They were buoyed by the potential of their love.

They wondered how they could heal, if their love could heal. How would they mend all that had been broken? The grace of love had dimmed and in its place, doubt had settled. They didn’t know how they got to this place and how they had strayed so far. They stumbled amidst this uncertainty, and waded in loneliness, sadness and pain. They reached for a token of inspiration and summoned the faith they carried deep within. They looked inward and outward for signs of home but it was tucked away in a far off place. Only their hearts remained, separated but seeking with good intention, affection and compassion, and wishing to be reunited with the splendors of love.

Deconstructed

You came to me in a dream one night. You sat with me through my pain and tears, and reassured me that you would stay. You told me this moment wouldn’t last forever and that time tells all. You told me things would be alright and that I would always be loved. You told me there could be no joy without sorrow. You told me to wait for dawn.

I couldn’t see your face. I didn’t know your name. You only revealed yourself through words and the compassion in your heart. But I wished to tell you things that lived in the smallest corners of my mind. I wanted to tell you about the things I remembered, saw and felt that made me happy and carefree. I wanted to tell you why I was here in the shadows and why I couldn’t leave.

You told me the universe doesn't stand still for anyone. It doesn't pause for wanderers, the faint of heart, or half dreamers. I wanted to tell you that you were inextricably tied to my future – you just didn’t know it yet.