Valentine

Today I find my heart wrapped around a girl

I know

who is aching.

If she were near I'd cut up a cold mango for her, too

and we'd sit at the kitchen table

dreaming up the future

and accepting the present.

Hm.

I just got that unintended pun: the present moment as a gift

wrapped

in grit

pain

and confusion

but with a ceaseless flame at its center

a flame

that burns away the very things which surround it

as one gets closer and closer to 

middle,

things like grief and loose bowels

sleepless nights and swollen eyes

mere doorways 

or

ugly yet benevolent guides in the underworld:

"you're doing it right - keep going!",

they shout with bad breath and one tooth and a missing button eye...

I wish her everything she needs to understand

and thrive

but just as much I wish her

simple joy

like

cold mango in a mint green bowl

and girlfriends with winged hearts.

xo