℘
Up Not Off
it’s not about—it’s not
about gift-wrapped boxes, surprise
visits or (odious phrase!) quality time
love isn’t the icing and it
isn’t even the cake
it is the hours: the mixing, the kneading
the waiting, the tender refusal to share
another slice before dinner
it’s not contained—it’s not
in remarkable deeds, exceptional
days (quite the contrary!) or esteem
love is not extracurricular
showing it is simply showing up
it’s the silent attention that becomes
conversation: nothing more, and certainly
nothing less
• • •
