I want to know you
like I want to know
a fresh French loaf
steaming, topped with pork
and duck fat
and gerkins
burning my fingertips
heavy and fulfilling
bringing my body rest
you are a cup of tea
delicate and soothing
your voice, your hesitancy
your simple honesty
ephemeral eye contact
your quiet rebellion and gentle protest
and you,
you are homemade plum jam
your giggle, your sweet roundness
the sadness behind your eyes
all smiles
I want to listen to you talk
I want to hear where you come from
the story of your grandmother and
the story of your mother
braided into the story of you
how you've been hurt
found a way to recover
how you've been taught to keep quiet and refused
and how did you choose:
to tend to the woman
or to become the mother
not simply reduced
I want to hold you and tell you
the world doesn't deserve who you are
if only everyone could see what I see
friend, you are lovely
and you fill a part of me
I didn't know needed filling
a good meal
lucky thing
there is always room
for more
