When I Reach For You

Sometimes when I give you an unexpected kiss.

A nuzzle on the neck –

or a pat –

on whatever interesting place is handy –

you ask, “What was that for?”

Not so much from doubt,

but to hear me say “I love you” one more time.

A habit? Maybe – but a good one.

For all of that –

for in the Fall –

Or is it the Winter of our lives –

saying “I love you” one more time takes on meanings

it could not have when we were so delightfully young,

disgustingly slender and so smart we knew all there was worth knowing.

My “I love you” is deeper now –

It has shades, tones, textures, patterns

it could not have known before.

When I reach for you.

It is with the deep sense of the goodness

of the years

With you

My Love.

Author: Kaye Gibbons

Date: Unknown, circa 1990

This poem from my Aunt is very insightful, touching and helpful. Each time I read it is like the first time I did. Knowing someone personally who has written something like this biases you, I’m sure. But even without knowing this woman (one of my favorite relatives of all), you can learn something from her words.I often wonder about life and especially what to expect as I get older. This poem helps to shed some light on the subject. I value my Aunt’s words knowing how caring and intelligent she was. If I did not respect her, these words would simply be words.

There may be a time in my life that I write something to capture some lessons learned with my time here, but I don’t know that it will be nearly as good as this poem. I can only try and hope so.

Although I didn’t spend a great deal of time with her, I formed a concrete sense of her personality. She was a wonderful person whom I will remember in a positive light always.