Standing on the edge of the cliff of my darkness,
Eyes veiled with salty waterfalls,
Heart forever heavy as lead…
A hand, light as golden pollen, brushing against mine.
Leaving residue. Beautifully scented.
So sweet honey could be spun from it.
I can’t look for I’m ashamed to feel. Afraid to be touched.
For a touch so light could travel to my heavy heart and make it sing. A scent so sweet could lick the bitter off my soul.
I’m a friend of the dark. Where I cannot be seen,
Where I cannot see enough to know to love.
And yet here you are, loving me lighter, loving me into the light.
Be patient with me, I’m learning to wipe my teary eyes to let your light in,
I see a glimmer of the light you carry.
I didn’t acknowledge light until I saw you holding me.
And through my cracks, your light begs to garnish my burdened soul.
My timid cheek, aching for your kiss… quivers.
Especially when thoughts of you caress my mind.
I hope one day, I truly can break open and feel the opposite of what choke chains me to fear.
Only then, maybe, will I see you in the way you see me.
But today, walk with me in pine forests and just be with me in silence,
For that’s all I need. That and a smile to constantly remind me that I belong here.
Written by Frank Malaba

You paint a picture for us of a truly beautiful condition. You allow us to see it both in the struggles of the speaker and in his hopes for acceptance. As I sit here it is March 19, 2022. My day is beginning after a long night and as I read this and reflect on my life I wonder … has anyone ever felt this for me? At times, I believed I was blessed this way. I know that I have loved deeply, and still do even after seeing the man I love do things I never thought possible. I have extended quietness, security, and tender patience. I have shown and lived love in all the richness I could provide. I love this man unconditionally even though he has chosen someone else. You see, my love isn’t founded on his actions. It is a gift. Hopefully, the desires expressed in this solemn romantic piece will be someone’s reality. Hopefully, people like me who see so much in your words will continue living true to who we strive to be, loving as purely as possible, forgiving because life is too short to live in constant pain, and hoping even when it feels foolish to hope. It is clear you have been blessed with many special gifts Mr. Malaba. I suspect there are even more than you know.
LikeLike