Friday, December 20, 2013

To my future other half, I promise to love you forever


"I promise to love you"


at 6 am when you’re waking to go to work, to school, or whatever
road life takes you on; and when you didn’t sleep well,
your hair is a mess and your eyes are sleepy.


at 8 am when we say goodbye for the day and you’re rushing
out the door with a cup of black coffee, after finishing
a morning cigarette when your lips taste like caffeine and nicotine.
at 3 pm when you’re exhausted from the day and people have 
worn you out and you feel like sighing, crying, and falling asleep
and escaping in afternoon dreams. I will kiss your forehead,
and wrap myself in your arms.
at 10 pm when you’re heading to bed, even though you won’t
sleep for hours and you’ll flip through all the channels
tired of dismal newscasts and re-runs. Especially when we become a

human knot wrapped up in sheets and kisses
at 3 am when loneliness and sadness do not destroy you, but consume you
and when you weep without an explanation. I’ll kiss your lips, softly and
tell you you’re the absolute best. When we talk about life and why winter

 kills the flowers.
I will love you when you grow old,
I will love you even after that
I will love you if I’m no longer here
I will love you
I will love you
and I will love you.

- Amanda Katherine Ricketson