Sometimes It Takes More Than Time.

I never knew you'd done it, see. These tiny battle scars we wear!
Love chafes a heart, or scrapes a knee, and dots its damage here and there.
We both are calloused round about, with thickened skin where once we'’d bruised;
Old wounds may feel a second clout, but nevermore feel so abused.

See, love is more than hopes and dreams; it flourishes in bitter days.
The bond of war-torn brothers seems so similar, in many ways,
And here we are. The years have flown since that small thorn had pierced my skin.
I thought it gone for good, you'’ve known; but now it seems it burrowed in.

Back then, you didn'’t understand and consequently didn'’t fuss;
I cried, we rowed, I took my stand, but life and love moved on with us.
Today your unexpected words of gentleness and real concern
Fell, like a kiss, upon my skin. It startled me to feel them burn.

The briny tears of sweet relief and yet resentment, all combined
Bring joy and healing, yes and grief, to wait so long for words so kind.
I promise dear, I never knew I'’d held that in so strong and deep.
But you and I, our love is true. Excuse me, while I go, and weep.


CLW