Hello, Love.
(Do you mind, God,
If I call you that?)
So much seems upside down
So often
That I’ve lost track
Of all the ways
Your holy disruption
Has upended my life.
Thank you.
I like the new views
And the softened edges
Of things.
Today,
When I felt
What to call you
After years
Of bitter grudges
Against the titles
I’d been told to use—
Pseudonyms that
Othered and distanced you,
No matter how
Fondly parental or grand—
I held the peace
To my chest
Like a love letter
Pencilled in handwriting
Divine and dear.
Endearments seal
A relationship’s bond—
Whispered and laughed,
Reserved for the ones
We let in closest,
Who witness
Our ugliest sides
And still want us.
This name, Love,
Is a miracle
So commonplace
We toss it out our lips
Like an exhale
Or hold our breath
Until the perfect moment
To confess it.
It’s a name used for lovers
As well as children,
For friends
As well as strangers.
“Hello, Love,”
We say,
Opening our hearts
As it vocalizes
Connectedness.
Love, you are not other
Or distant.
Love, we are bound.
Love, you are in me
And in everything—
Turning my head,
Turning the world,
Helping us soften and see.
Awake & Amused 
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