love & war

 


What does it mean, after years of fumbling and flailing romances, hopeless misadventures and elusive lustful encounters, to find someone whose voice soothes your soul… whose skin is like a familiar treasure and carries a scent that is like the warmest and safest haven of home? Finally finding a friend who is a gentle and passionate lover to whom you feel completely connected in every way. But then, several months later, in the need of legal documents, it turns out that the casual lover she spoke of when you first met was to become her husband in just a few short days. Inexplicably, the romance continues, and the months pass by… but soon comes the time when, inevitably, all things must stop in the name of ‘loyalty.’ The friendship continues to blossom, however, even when there is a trans-continental move. But then comes the day when her home country begins a war. The world is plunged into turmoil and uncertainty and certain citizens of both countries are in danger of struggle and starvation. She calls you and asks you to marry her friend. ‘Which one?’ you ask. ‘It doesn’t matter which one… if you don’t, she will die’ comes her reply. ‘What is her name?’ ‘I am not telling you. Are you willing to marry her or not?’ You refuse to marry her secret friend and she hangs up. She removes you from all of her social media platforms and doesn’t speak to you again. Until a year later… she sends a happy birthday wish out of the blue. Then the silence prevails. Two months later, a Thanksgiving wish. Finally, as Christmas approaches, a few words are exchanged, and an agreement is made to have a call.

Now I lie here in this darkness and think of every warm word and comforting kiss that was exchanged between us. I wonder if the call will come and if it will be cold or if it may once more begin to kindle friendship, love, and desire.

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