Poetry Page 4

Unexpected

I thought it was just an ordinary day
because it started out the same old way.
Then I looked over my shoulder,
and there you stood
in khakis, a snug T-shirt, looking so good.
I can remember clearly how I felt.
Just looking at you made me melt.
I took a glimpse of you, just one more,
before you walked past me and out the door.
So what am I supposed to do
when I keep thinking about you?
The first time I saw you, I knew I was gone.
My heart was yours from that moment on.
I didn't know you, not even your name,
but I was crushing just the same.
So I'm going to let go of all my wishin',
now I'm a girl on a mission.
Even if it takes 'til the end of time,
believe me when I say I will make you mine.
--October 12, 1998

YOU

Long ago, it was pure and crystal-clear,
an object unblemished by pain, grief or sorrow.
So delicate and fragile, it does not take much to break it,
and once it cracks, it takes a long time to mend.
Twice, careless handlers have broken it,
thrice is a matter I would like to avoid.
The first time it was shattered,
the shards were put back together painstakingly,
and it became tougher and whole again,
although it was never the same from then on.
From henceforth, it was protected,
but perhaps not carefully enough.
Though it did not completely break the second time,
a deep crack marred its already-scarred surface.
Time causes all wounds to heal,
and whole again it became,
although it was never the same from then on.
Sheltered by its fear of being broken,
it grew dull and cold and empty, encased in an armor of ice.
It sat and hardened, tightly sealed in its cold fortress.
Though many have tried to chip away the ice, to make it shine,
it has vehemently resisted such attempts.
Then one day you came along,
and you were able to melt the ice,
to make it shine once more,
and you gave it the ability to feel.
And it was never the same from then on.
So I give my heart to you,
and I ask that you handle with the greatest care,
for it is my most cherished possession.
--August 23, 1999