I wanted “til death do us part” in our vows
afraid you would change your mind
and leave me
the words like a curse in a dark corner
or a challenge, and you loved a challenge
you didn’t leave
I wanted you more than I ever wanted anything
more than anything I will ever want on this earth
Love is a fearful beast –
it can make you beautiful or crazy
If you’re really lucky, a little of both
and then one night, we parted
the unthinkable happened
and thinking ceased
I had to let you go – your body
but never will I let go of your spirit
the echoes of your love
the memories of tenderness
togetherness. your laugh
you stayed as long as you could
at a great cost to you, you fought
you stayed
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Copyright ©2025 Lisa Paul. All rights reserved. No part may be used without my permission.
A Little Bit of Everything, With Love 
There’s so much feeling in here, Lisa. So heartfelt ❤️
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Thank you so much, Esther 💞
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I like how “you didn’t leave” stands almost alone within its separation from the rest of the piece. Your confirmation of this in the last line, reaffirming what we know in our hearts–they never really leave. Love you, my friend.❤️
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Thank you, Melissa. No, they never really leave. Love you, too. 🤍🤍
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A very beautiful and touching poem Lisa. Even when people leave – life – they stay in another way.
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Yes, I agree. Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
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