Gift poem on partnership

into our second decade it seems 

this is when real partnership begins 

because you see when two adults marry 

there's a lot of independence to mold and mesh and blend 

we've been happy and we've been strong 

last year we seemed to hit a new level 

connecting more intentionally 

not needing to fight or be right 

we've learned that how you or i feel 

matters most even when it isn't what you meant 

and we've started trying to do that less 

really listening and being what the other needs 

we always did that, especially when times were tough 

but then we'd slip back 

and through the juggle we seemed to struggle 

but lately it comes easy 

and then this virus came among us 

making the whole dark world even a little more crazy 

healthcare workers do what we do 

heads down and focused ready to work harder than ever before 

even before this mike had been mentioning 

how good i seem to be at my job 

maybe he's a little bit jealous that i get constructive feedback regularly 

it's not all it's cracked up to be i say 

and then here comes that darn virus 

twisting and turning everything upside down 

with our heads bent all the stir settles 

in the hospital halls there is a hush 

the administrative work behind the scenes 

grows more layered each day 

recommendations constantly changing 

predictive models this way and that 

here at home the kids do okay 

they're wearing their pjs all day 

boredom doesn't seem to be an issue 

more thankful than ever for brothers 

privilege begets privilege

our daycare is stable 

the pantry is stocked 

toys can be ordered but for easter momma forgot

and then there's my guy 

he's all head, i'm all heart 

we both say it and know we've got the better lot 

and here's my guy, he's all heart 

he steps it up in a quiet way 

he reminds me to go running 

sends me on a shopping trip 

and recommends takeout again 

he's taken over the homework patrol 

which has always been my thing 

he never gets tired 

he's always paying attention 

it's not like when we were dating 

and he memorized and sang my favorite song 

no it's really much better than that 

it's simpler and plain but perfect 

i'm working harder and we both know it 

perspective sinks in quickly 

and he just pivots 

simply and quietly steps up 

there has been a change in the balance of power 

power schmower i'm not sure this is what i was after 

invigorating and exhausting 

i am really not sure 

my brain is foggy at night 

restless i dream and wake 

hating that i think of work when i sleep 

wondering if this is how others feel always 

but it is vital work 

thankful for the skills and opportunity 

not just saying that 

that's the way life always is 

we don't get to pick 

our time is not his time

and we are not driving this bus 

just do your best and let god do the rest 

and when you've got my guy 

he does his best 

and knows this too is vital work 

homework chores and exercise 

perspective sinks in quickly 

this is what partnership always was about 

me and you

you and me 

a chord of three strands is not easily broken 

so thankful to be tied up with you 

churning through this second decade 

in the messy middle 

no where i would rather be 

no one i would rather be with 

grateful thankful blessed 

my heart is full with us