Evelyn Klebert

So,
when I stop and listen
and hear a familiar step,
rounding the corner again.
And I tell myself
yes,
I’ve been here before,
lived this particular
event
one too many times.
Sure,
it’s been dressed up
differently,
different actors,
words ever so slightly changed.
But everything else
everything
I’ve seen before
lived through before,
but never quite settled.
So
here it is again,
knocking on my front door,
telling me one more time
until I find a better way
of settling things,
a different choice
until I find a better way
of making peace.

Love doesn’t arrive in a heart-shaped box,
with a bouquet of roses,
or a few flattering words.
Love builds with layers,
strength and support.
It shines during the most difficult times,
with one who puts your well-being before their own.
It’s concern for the other’s happiness
even if for awhile yours is put aside.
It gives and takes,
shares and gives,
and makes each within its circle better and stronger
than they would be on their own.
It’s never one-sided,
and never hurtful and thoughtless.
It’s the garden that is tended
and flowers in unexpected ways.
It deepens over time,
is a blessing that should never be taken for granted.
It weathers the storms,
and is not built on outward trappings,
but inner strength that whispers
we are better and stronger together,
than we could ever be apart.