Life Jacket

To fall in love easily is both a blessing and a curse – one I carry like a life jacket strapped to my chest in case the ship sinks –

I fall in love with the sky at sunset every night when the colors paint another unique work of art made of pinks and oranges –

I fall in love with strangers who hold open the door when you are still several steps away and with strangers who give the last dollar in their wallet to the poor woman begging at the cafe’s door –

I fall in love with the dogs tied outside waiting for their owners that lick your hand and ask for nothing but your attention for just one moment –

I fall in love with my sisters when they call just to ask how I am and my parents when they give expecting nothing in return –

I fall in love with my best friend when she laughs, really laughs, a deep laugh that shows not only in her face but in her whole body –

I fall in love with him when he gets me coffee without me even asking and shows up wanting only a kiss –

I fall in love with you when you look at me with your sad eyes, your lonely eyes, asking for only a glimpse of hope that maybe I can offer –

I fall in love with the woman on TV crying over the loss of her husband –

I fall in love with the man on the radio seeking help for Hurricane relief –

I fall in love over and over again and my heart is always aching with this burden that I would never give up for the world – Feeling so alive yet so heavy all of the time weighs heavily on my shoulders

this life jacket will keep me afloat

this love for the world

falling in love with the world

will keep me afloat.

-CM