By Karen Swank
she is a wife who remembers longingly
how softly he used to touch her
filled with wonder
whispering the secrets of his heart
she felt like a queen
the very desire of his heart
she wants that back as she lies wooden
her anger chilling the room
as he tries to push the right button
to get what he wants from her
and quickly
he is a husband who remembers longingly
how he used to see himself in her eyes
a hero and a warrior
she hung on his every word
how she made herself beautiful
anticipating his attention
he wants that back and he reaches for it
terse and afraid his hands demand
his anger filling the room
as she punishes him once again
not enough
she is a child who remembers longingly
how her parents used to beam every time she spoke
she knew she was a gift
as they brushed her hair and read her stories
clapping when she sang a song
always wanting just one more hug and a kiss
she wants that back as she stands sullen
bearing their disappointment that once again
she’s failed to meet expectations
her sneer is her shield and she’s
so tired
He is the Lover who remembers longingly
how you rushed into His arms
that first day of Forever Together
willing and tender
as you wept for joy that One like Him
could love one such as you
He wants that back and He stands waiting
as you go through the motions each day
mouthing words and doing works
cold and far away from the intimacy of the
secret place
first love begins all-consuming
but fades over time, taken for granted
its fire dies to embers
buried under layers of ash
its warmth and light hidden
sometimes even forgotten
do you want it back?
feed the fire then and believe
stir its embers intently
blowing softly to kindle
passion’s return
Karen is from Aledo, IL. She went to Monmouth College and studied Latin and English. She is a biological mom of two children and surrogate mom/friend/advocate for a whole host of children. She would like to meet every wounded soul that I’ve she’s ever known… as a child, before the “damage was done” so she could tell them how much they are loved.