Threes

We sat at my table late at night

talking about your other lover

your assessment of where you are in his heart.

I cried a little for your thought that his priorities had shifted

that the events of life had moved him away a bit.

I didn’t cry because of me

because I inexplicably find myself not jealous, not hurt

but hurting for your ache for him.

Crying, it’s what I do these days.

Joy, grief, it’s all mixed together.

I cried also because sitting with you

in the candlelight talking about another man in your life

brings me such joy that my heart overflows.

If you had told me this even three months ago I would have laughed.

I hope you know that whatever is happening with anyone else

you are now a fixture in my heart.

Your smile is an arch leading into another room of the heart

Unknown before this moment.

Whenever you meet my gaze that door opens and floods come out.

Life is amazing.

I want to be able to say equally: joy, it’s what I do.

Smiling at you, it’s what I do. Touching your face with my palm

it’s what I do.