Perfection

perfection.

all knees and elbows to the touch

wet like the first time i ran home in thick rain

i was too young to remember to look up

or the soft kiss of love's lips on my skin 

contrasting the burning heat of summer

in the wet woods by the lake at Wolf Creek

i was all elbows and knees

no scars to landmark my history

each piece of patchwork less perfect than the next

no crooked nosed smile or chipped tooth

still months away from Darren Brewer's basement 

and the uppercut that fell heavily on the tail of two miller lights

two birds with one stone cold throw

i fell, stood up, we laughed like children

my mother cried quietly

elbows and knees are familiar with bruises

a kind of uncomfortable familiarity 

that begs concrete mercy in a fall

a simple, heavy memory

a hand on a hot stove

a foot turned the wrong way by a root

i wasn't running from anything

it was the joy of the breeze meeting sweat

that kept me moving

the blood dried, scabbed and healed

my skin holds the memory 

-----------

You never forget the firsts.

The first time you keep on falling,

you don't remember how long or why

you began to fall in the first place.

Was it her smile, framed in dimples?

The way her hands communicate something more than words

when her fingertips rest lightly on the back of your neck?

The first time your intention fails to meet with meaning.

There's a misfire and the white flag can't unfold quick enough 

to satisfy that climbing, chain linked fence fending off apologies.

She's crying and your stomach screams to be forgiven

but words can't make it past the weight sitting on your chest,

so you vomit instead.

Seeking compassion that isn't yet strong enough to climb the fence,

cross that empty field where you wait, flag in hand,

ready to humbly accept the terms of your surrender.

The first time her words fail her.

Brown eyes meet yours and she's begging you to understand 

that she's forgotten how to breath without you.

And the only way she can fall asleep is in your bed

where the bad dreams and days can't find her anymore.

You can feel it in her fragile grip, she's a part of you 

and for the first time, you are not afraid of permanence.

-----------

I will reach the end of days in the firm grip of a lover.

I will feel the simple pains or pleasures, heralded 

by each new ray of sunlight, each new drop of rain.

I will face the inevitable with a veterans confidence,

our fingers tied tightly together.

And whether or not the hand loses strength,

her eyes made a promise that death can't pardon,

if our hearts truly believe in perfection.

Author's Note

Please leave a review!

Reviews

[Robbie~xoxo~]

Oh my....you took my breath away...

I am a believer in true love, romance, and the sheer beauty of imperfections...
The flaws we attain with each "first"....it is so endearing...

Reading this slowly and absorbing every word was not only a beautiful experience, it is also
a reflective journey....intimately woven.

A fantastic write, my friend!!! :)
Into my favorites. ~xoxo~

[David Scott]

I started to loose interest, but you wouldn't let my mind wander completely away.
Happily, I held in till the finally.
Ah, yes, I believe you have found a great example of perfection.
You delivered on the promise here.
I like a write more to the point, but in the end you connected the dots very strong.

[Brett Moore]

Thank you! I'm happy you stuck with me! Where did I start losing you?

[David Scott]

The third stanza when you repeat and the fifth stanza seemed to ramble...
I tend to get distracted easily, so I'm not saying it was out of place...
You asked...

[Brett Moore]

So the first line of the third? I could try and phrase it better. I wanted the repetition but the sentence isn't locked in stone.
The 5th could be more concise. I'm playing around with the image and trying to find better words. Thoughts?
And thank you! This is work shopping for me. I won't be offended at all.

[David Scott]

Cool. I'm glad you do not take offense.
I did like 90% of the content and I loved how you closed the thought. You defend the idea of forever love well!

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Another "wow" piece...you are quickly becoming one of the more respected writers on this site in my humble opinion. I'm completely impressed. You brought together personal issues, thoughts, emotions, amazing imagery, etc. I love the flow, the feel, just about everything. This is probably the best piece I've read today (both being yours). Wow.

[Brett Moore]

Thank you! That was really nice and I appreciate all the help you can offer!

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

You don't need much help, my friend. You're amazing as is...honestly.

[Gobinder Singh Dhindsa]

Your writing is so Good. Well Done! Keep Writing Friend!

Do u read mine 2 "Why?, Who is a Poet, Time and Anguish "

If possible then give your reviews..

Regards,
Lucky