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Friday, March 26, 2010

True Love in 55 Words


This is a Friday Flash 55, a story told in exactly 55 words. Thanks to the G-Man for hosting this.



MY HERO

No more than the bird with piercing voice
is my beloved to be feared
when he sings of his complaints.
My shortcomings, and the world’s,
are worth a serenade from him.
He does it often but does not leave me
and I find strange comfort in the song:
Is this not true love?


Thanks to Sappho, eternal Greek poetess, for the first eight words. They are all that survive of whatever poem accompanied them.

True love…today I’m grateful the subject doesn’t cause misery. It doesn’t go hand-in-glove with suffering anymore.

Not everyone is given that gift. When I told one of my dearest old friends about falling in love with Joe, he told me, “Wait until Reality sets in.” Love, to my friend, was a source of cynical laughter.

Joe and I have waited 18 years for Reality to set it. We have never left each other, no matter how angry we got. We don’t whine about each other’s faults. We do listen to each other and offer encouragement. We keep our expectations at a low roar.

We do it one day at a time, too. This day is all we have, so we might as well live it fully, the way our Alcoholics Anonymous program tells us to. Today, well lived, leads to a series of good tomorrows.

*****

38 comments:

Mrsupole said...

That poem is so beautiful and says so much. Congrats on the 18 years, and it is wonderful that you have true love. Warts and all is something that not all understand, some think it is all just roses and sweets. Reality is acceptance.

I too posted a pic of my Calla Lillies today to hopefully help me get over being sick right now.

God bless.

the walking man said...

In finding the ability to live with the way another conducts themselves is finding more than accommodation. it is finding the strength to walk a journey a bit further than the corner store.

anthonynorth said...

'Tis a crazy thing, love. Nicely expressed.

Jake said...

That's so cool! I keep worrying the feeling will die, now I see it doesn't have too. Jake.

Karen said...

Good poem and good thoughts for this Friday. I've been married for 37 years to my best friend. We've been up, down, and all around, but here we are, still loving after all these years.

Dianne said...

Ah! To view the new mockingbirds with such gratitude!
Thank you Chris, and Sappho, and my snoring bird for today!
love from dear one,
Di

Rosaria Williams said...

This is a great philosophy for any relationship.

Hootin Anni said...

Excellent work!!! Just simply, excellent.

This is my 55 this week!

[if you decide to stop by, scroll down below my Show n tell, as always, to find my FF55]

Have a glorious weekend.

Brian Miller said...

and you do it together, which makes it all the more beautiful. one day at a time is best...smiles.

Just Be Real said...

Thank you EO for this post. Blessings.

Moonrayvenne said...

I love how you added your own voice to the fragment of the poem. It's beautiful! (((HUGS)))

Nessa said...

Reality doesn't need to set in because true love is all about reality.

C.M. Jackson said...

beautiful-happy friday-have agreat weekend

Nikki (Sarah) said...

beautiful...and love that last sentence of the post...this day is all we have...we might as well live it fully...Here's to living this day fully....Stay strong and safe out there. Sarah

CiCi said...

Well now, you know I will jump right in with both feet up to my elbows when it is about LUUUUV!!! The poem is really good in that it brings up a non-fiction truth that people in love are not falling all over each other every minute of the day. And hey, even in love there might be things one or both are not liking now and then. But they commit. They encourage. They don't blow up the things about the other that they don't like. Because there definitely will some things not to like. But they are so minor in the overall LUUUV thing!! I like this post!!

Anonymous said...

We definitely have today, we might have tomorrow. So today I'll live good.

Mona said...

Of course it is.

Love the look of your blog!

Magpie said...

Yes, I like what Collette said. You picked up the thread of Sapho's thoughts beautifully.

Love is reality...so love is not always pretty and sweet and nice, but love is always real.

Happy weekend!!

Monkey Man said...

This is the second 55 I have read with the underlying theme of patience. Is someone trying to tell me something? Great post. Great 55. Thanks for your loyal visits to my site. Love you.

Crafty Green Poet said...

congratulations on 18 years, and I enjoyed your poem too

Jessie said...

a beautiful poem and message.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the poem. Really connecting is a beautiful thing! Have a great weekend!!

Mojo said...

I'm so happy for you both. And grateful to you for reminding us that the real deal is still possible. Not always easy, but possible.

And I love the poem. Interesting about the first line. I wonder how many have used it as a starting point.

It's the original writing prompt, eh?

Felicitas said...

Chris, this is so beautiful and sweet! A wonderful tribute to your marriage in 55 lovely words.

John (@bookdreamer) said...

Nice poem. Here's my rather gory tale

G-Man said...

Chris...
You certainly are one gifted writer!
I loved this testimony of love and devotion.
Excellent 55 My Dear.
Thanks for playing, and have a Kick Ass week-end...G

Marla said...

Chris, you always inspire me.

PattiKen said...

A love that survives 18 years, through good times and bad, and continues to thrive - that is true love in my book!

I’m up here.

Anonymous said...

Love is holding on and letting go- in equal parts, imperfectly.

I'm glad you've found it and shared it with us!

Changnoi said...

I'm no expert, but if you complain and he sticks around, ther must be something.

Susan said...

Great 55. I can so relate. Just hit 31 years and it's been one rocking roller coaster but we've both stayed on and the ride is getting better and better!

Jingle said...

http://jingleyanqiu.wordpress.com/2010/03/25/flash-friday-55-i-am-a-jolly-blogger/

my 55 is here,
thank you for the wisdom and fun shared and encouraged!

you rock!

Jingle said...

sweetest love,
the journey is long,
but the fun is profound!
Happy Friday!

hope said...

I LIKE this one!

And those who huff about the "reality" of love probably have never experienced the real thing.

I'm with you..this August will be 30 years for us and I STILL wouldn't trade him. ;)

Peter Stone said...

What a beautiful poem, and the message of hope and love is beautiful. True love perseveres even when 'reality sets in,' and keeps no record of wrongs.

♥ Boomer ♥ said...

Wonderful!

I am awaiting May 26, when we celebrate 40. Sometimes very bumpy, and sometimes feather-light - I feel blessed to have been loved this long.

LadyFi said...

That's beautiful, sweet friend!

Evalinn said...

Nice poem, and great to hear! :-)