I’m working on a book of poems reflecting on different qualities and aspects of love. Sometimes we have to let someone go who we love, and we know it is what is best for both of us because it is right and healthy that we deserve that special space in our life for one main person for us to love and love in return if that is the type of love our heart craves. But often when people break up it’s all about how we are standing up for ourselves and it is treated as a rejection of the other person. I wrote this poem reflecting on a temporary relationship to give it honor. To reflect on the goodness and purpose it, and that individual had in my life, and the honor I will continue to give them, even though romantically it didn’t work out for us. Sharing this and would love your thoughts. Is there any past relationship where even though it is over, there was something positive you took away from it that you honor in your memory? ——- I had been broken. It wasn’t your fault. I had already begun to put myself back together, When we met. But I was brittle. And could have shattered so easily. What you offered of love Wasn’t all I said I needed. I wanted more than you were willing to give me. But our time together would already be so short So we both accepted That you would give what you could, And so, too, would I; We would savor what we had While it lasted; Such is often the life of a traveling man. So you gave me your attention Indulgent of my whims and whimsies. I gave you mine Allowing you space to do what you felt you needed to. You accepted my affection And gave me yours in return, And in that acceptance, I found healing. Where there had been clouds, Sunshine started coming through. I stopped running and just … Soaked it in. The warmth. The goodness. The peace. The simplicity of accepting what is in the now Rather than constantly worrying about The future that always seems so far out of reach. And it was more than enough. It was awesomesauce. I refound my inner child and let her free. I rediscovered joy. Laughter. Teasing. Playfulness. Resilience. I had become a greyed out and shrunken version of myself but you gave me room and space and grace and nourishment and so I have blossomed. Still, I feel like the barest bud of my womanhood, ready to see where my growth will take me, how much further I can grow, but wherever life leads me, it will be in no small part because of you, dear one. So I will always love you With a depth of regard you may not fully fathom For the heart your slow and gentle affection Helped make whole once again Especially knowing we both knew from the beginning The healing you performed was not for your own benefit But for some other future lover I might one day meet. And I can only hope I have told you I love you enough That you fully believe your own worthiness And when you’re ready You’ll find someone that makes your heart sing And that I have been able to reflect back Some measure Of the love and healing You gave me And can have the love and happiness you damn well deserve. For while we may not have been meant to be each other’s everything, (For your heart never truly wanted to be mine) Four time together, never doubt — you were more than enough.