Love is…..

I have stood shoulder to shoulder with you for a lifetime.

There were times that I wanted to run away from your hatefulness.

There were times I felt you were my only refuge as you held me tight.

There were times I lashed out in anger and I was met with overwhelming compassion.

There were times that I was soft and loving and I was shunned.

After all this time we still stand,

shoulder to shoulder, trying to figure out how to love each other.

Raw, ugly, beautiful, tender......it is all encompassing.