It wasn’t as awkward as when you butt-dialed me a few years ago
To tell me later that all you wanted was to hear my voice.
It wasn’t as nearly as gut wrenching as stopping at the red light,
Looking to my left to see your smile in her passenger seat.
It wasn’t as shameful as wishing that you were happy with her
While hoping that you still thought my jokes were better.
It wasn’t as silent as after you confessed that I deserve someone who actually loved me
And I asked why that couldn’t be you.
It was walking into your sandwich shop with the love you promised I’d someday find-
A brief meeting at the intersection of my past and future.
It was the way you searched my left hand for another man’s ring-
A promise, you never would have been able to keep.
It was small talk: you asked about my mom and the weather-
A friendly reminder that everything we are has changed, but at least the sky is still blue.
It was the first time I had ever seen you smile from under a mask-
A hope that you still found reasons to smile during the pandemic.
It was the first time I thanked you and said goodbye out of all the times I’d left-
A peaceful, knowing acceptance and a genuine thank you—
Thank you for everything.
About the Creator
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Turning Pages of Life
Life’s like a book — some parts are good, others not so much. Still, keep turning the pages; you might find the best chapter next. If someone hurts you, choose to forgive or just let it be, but never change who you are for them.
By Emily Chan - Life and love sharing5 days ago in Poets
Comments (1)
This poem has some very relatable themes and feels very conversational. The line about being between the past and future feels like an affirmation of the present while also describing the growth that has been achieved. Well done!