Before you, togetherness was a myth, a magical dream they tell you about to give you something to look forward to.

Before you a lifetime was what I expected to spend alone.

Marriage was for the lucky and in love was for the few.

Lies, false hope and heartbreak were all I knew from man and I came to expect nothing less, came to terms with solitude. My friends were still young, hopeful, in waiting. But I was tired and surrounded by great walls that would put China to shame. They waited forever and I awaited my next move.

A new start, new home, new walls going up. I was a fortress. Long halls, y’all tapestries, in-penetrable gates. Like most castles I was a sight to see, but you would never get to enter the throne room.

Many tried. None prevailed.

Stone pillars, deep moats and the highest towers guarded the keep where my heart resided. No fire, no cannons could bring them down. No army could stake claim. I was a rock, solid granite.

And then you came like a thief in the night and I crumbled at your feet with one glance. Suddenly my stronghold was made of paper and glass, shattering and tearing at your every blow. I taped and I glued and I rebuilt as much and as fast as I could but your eyes burned holes and your hands pulled away the wreckage one stone at a time until you reached the prize.

My heart lay exposed, naked and afraid, but ready to fight off the virus I was sure was invading.

But you weren’t a virus. You weren’t an enemy attack. You weren’t lies, false hope or heart break. You picked me up and dusted the soot from my face without saying a word.

I was an invincible fortress, but you were the love they say conquers all. And just like that I knew.

You were my togetherness.

You were my lifetime.

You were the forever I hadn’t been awaiting but was so glad you finally arrived.