Me

When I was maybe twelve years old, I was really into swimming. I often worked out, swam laps in the pool at a local athletic organization. One day after a workout, leaving the locker room, and headed for the buildings entrance and exit door, I had to walk past a counter area used mainly for greeting and checking people arriving at the club. 

A woman was manning the counter and as I began to pass by she greeted me with a hello. I stopped and politely answered similarly. Then after a short conversation she said, "And what are you going to be when you grow up?" I said, "I am going to be me." She said, "That’s great. More people should do that."

I smiled and proceeded on my way. I felt proud of myself, a good answer.  

Below is a poem, my first, written to my first love. After we parted company it kind of lost its meaning. When I started my writing, I placed it at the beginning of the original thoughts. I wanted the feelings to return. They did.  

• A love have I to give to thee, a love to pleasure thee.
• A love as rough and tumble, and gentle and sensitive as me.
• A love, as deep as the river of life that flows within me.
• Take this love that I give to thee, and with your love, pleasure me.

My reason for including the poem in my writing was twofold. Love, even after two lovers part company should be remembered for the love, not for failures and hostility.

Failures of love are opportunities to learn, and especially of learning to love again.          

© Ernest G Jackson 2022 All Rights Reserved | 288 Words.