funny thing
fear
signifies that one has something worth losing
but distracts from the enjoyment
the appreciation
immersion

do words help pacify
the worries?
never enough
no full solution
no cure
perhaps only band-aids
massages
kisses to the boo-boo

there’s a photo
(one of the first, I think)
of our hands
focused on the painted nails
a symbol of our shared identity assertion
of us as the rockstar creatives we are
but it’s more symbolic to me
of my hand being there for you
of your hand being there for me
of our being there for each other
I look at it often
and find solace in the thought
comfort in your presence

(I get scared, too, so you know)

frustrating as it is to me
I know that I can’t cure the ills of your world
I can’t fix everything
(anything, really)
but there’s a part of me that will always
keep
trying
no longer to be the hero of the story
but instead, now
to put your dynamic heart at ease
to leave more room in your world
for your beautiful smile

I will spend forever
echoing my words with actions
to enhance your world
to multiply your joy
to share your sense of discovery
and laughter
and wanderlust
and wonder

I will silence my words
replacing them entirely with
deeds
gestures
endeavors
if you ask
(though my words are sometimes my greatest gift)

I will spend my dying breath
aiding you with whatever burdens I can
soothing your anxieties
reminding you that I am here
always
for you
for whatever you need
or want
from me

unimportant to me:
rings
papers
status in the eyes
of the law or the gods
the opinions of others
these are all just words

important to me:
your happiness
your comfort and health
you

I hope I never fail to show you
all of this
no matter how much I might tell

I will burn us to life
Until my only flame is a burning fuse