Alive

For Jeanie

I could have found, I think
Someone with a life story
That mirrors my own.

We could have shared our stories,
Had some fun,
Been relieved to not be alone,
And settled into an existence together,
As comfortable as a pair of old slippers.

Everyone, everyone
Would have said:
“Oh how nice”.

She’d have happily tolerated,
In a bemused sort of way,
My enthusiasms –
Like never missing choir, and
Actually believing all of that God stuff
We sing about every Sunday.

With you, I think, there will not be
Very much bemusement.

But oh my goodness
The adventures
We will have.

I choose adventures,
I choose growth,
I choose not to exist,
But to live.

July 2023