On the Other Side
A meditation on long distance relationships, or on any relationship compromised by busyness, and other obstacles.
When was it that I last embraced you?
Embraced you, and held you close despite brokenness,
Embraced you, and felt your beating heart, your warm breath.
Where was it that I first saw you?
Saw you, like a warrior, fighting, advancing,
Saw you, wearied beyond belief, burdened, misunderstood.
When was it that I last spoke to you?
Spoke to you, and listened to the song of your heart,
Spoke to you, and let you know, how much I miss you.
What was it that made me think of you?
Think of you, when we are oceans and worlds apart,
Think of you, and let my love be more than a thought.
You are marching uphill,
You are retreating downhill,
Waging wars, fighting battles,
Conquering and being defeated.
I marched by your side once,
We fought together,
I advanced, and you covered me,
You spied ahead, and I distracted (the enemy).
And which land are you in now?
Are your ranks full, well armed?
I let an arrow fly,
I shoot it into the horizon,
It will never reach you~
I call out to the sky,
My voice echoes far,
But not far enough for you~
I send envoys, messengers,
On horseback with many supplies,
But they too will not find you~
I ride out into battle,
As the enemy approaches, you come to my mind,
As I slash and stab, a presence surrounds me,
As I am injured, and must flee, a voice from the depths speaks to me.
I busy myself, I work relentlessly,
Beyond my world, you wait patiently,
I long for you, I miss you sorely,
You knock, whisper, call, cry out - waiting:
Waiting for love fulfilled, poured out, completed,
May my longing reach you finally:
Beyond thoughts, feelings, work and distance.
12th November, 2023