… (a letter)

Since the beginning,
my friend,
you have been with me,
inseparable through it all.

We grew up,
you and I,
together through good times,
and bad.

We went through it
as one;
sharing the joy
and the pain.

When they picked on you,
for how you looked,
I felt the weight
of every… single… word.

When they attacked me,
for who I am,
I was bolstered by your strength,
just knowing you were there.

You took many hits for me,
for my mistakes.
I know it hurt.
I felt it too.

I remember our first kiss
the way it felt
that was a gift
I know we will never forget.

As time went on,
I looked at you,
as many women do,
with a critical eye.

There were contentious years,
where tempers flared;
and it seemed we would never,
ever, get along again.

Still, there you were,
feeling every bit of my depression,
through many sleepless nights
that left us both exhausted.

I know I hurt you;
when I stopped listening,
when I stopped caring for you,
when neglect was all you got from me.

Despite my callousness,
you were always there,
and when I needed it most,
you changed for me.

You gave me hope,
renewing a peace
that I never knew existed.
I know you felt it too.

I look forward to spending
Every moment
the rest of this life
with you.

The day will come,
when we’ll say our goodbyes,
and I will move on
without you.

…but, no matter where I go,
or who I become,
you
will always be
a part of me.

— A Letter to My Body

~ elr