I wait for him
on the chaise
as he sits at the piano
and plays out his thoughts
in low keys that coax
tension off my shoulders.
I turn and watch it exit the room
leaving only raw emotion behind
to help me orchestrate our latest
episode of clearing the air.
Instead of engaging me
and talking it out
he lifts his finger to shush
continuing to play
with one hand while
caressing my neck with the other
gently kneading out our discord
strumming my chords
in soothing order
Notes rise and fall on my lips
quieting and tamping down the voice
of the frustrated emotion that
moments before awaited there
poised for an epic fight
Instead he lifts me high
on a crescendo
lit with candles
warmed by the heat
of the fire crackling in the corner
until we both discover our why
that despite our battles
we have profound love for each other
And I remember how
he and his piano
tag teams every time
to play me
-Michelle Stradford 2018
YOU ARE READING
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PoetryA collection of poems and prose moving through the phases of love. Dedicated to those who feel fiercely and yet thrive whether loving, hurting or letting go.
