I didn't expect to love you
I thought instead you'd be a friend
Someone I'd enjoy when I saw you
And think little about when I didn't.
But that's not what happened.

Instead, you slipped right past all the roadblocks
Made me laugh and feel seen
Surpassed my expectations 
Pulled me close 
And have never let me go.

Loyalty, after all, is one of your strong suits
Along with a quick wit, 
But it's your arms-wide-open heart that 
Keeps surprising me
Offering a safe place 
To rest my head.

I am a native Texan who has lived for the past 30 years in Southern California. I am a published author of both short memoir and fiction, a two-time Pushcart nominee, a nationally award-winning writing coach, an editor, as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. In addition, I am the mother of three grown daughters of whom I am extremely proud, a grandmother of four darling children and the wife of a man I still love after 44 years. View all posts by lenleatherwood