How different is it to love deeply, love mutually, from afar?
In some ways, it's completely the same.
My love is my love, love.
I send it to you and roll you up in it.
reaching you, tip to toes,
twirling in your hair, booping your nose,
settling in your pockets with fluff and a receipt.
It is precious, but also plentiful,
blending with the fibers of your shirt
In some ways, I think it's better.
The ways we reach out to each other,
appreciating each other proudly, brightly, loudly, softly,
more ways we build with time,
like a very seasoned pot with broth
in a perpetual soup never leaving the stove.
We added too much lemon once,
and all of our garlic was teal for a month.
The ways I love you are colorful like that,
There is nothing like the way we value our time together;
songs have been written about it.
I don't think most couples could handle it.
Not that I want us to be in pain for valor,
but I think longevity does need strength
Maybe I have everything skewed in a way that
isn't helpful, based on the combined experiences
but that's all I can pull from; it's all I've got.
The real differences to being in-person,
are the unpolished between-moments.
Accidentally leaning on hair, elbowing,
spilling something, choking on air,
running out of words to say to describe
what you're going through,
being overwhelmed by the mess.
Being able to help apply a bandage
or open a pesky container.
Being there when your eyes are still closed,
for the entire universe of you
I get to experience before you touch your phone.
The unmatched treat of getting to touch you
and have you feel it directly from my fingertips
instead of from the words and wishes I send you.
I can't say if this or that is better.
This is the love story we have,
and I'm soaking up every drop of it.
It means everything how you want to watch
me as I grow with you and into myself,
just how I cherish seeing who you become.
It's a beautiful journey we're on,
and I love exploring it with you.