we flow now,
moving through our life,
with an ease
a smooth surface,
occasional ripples
the comfort that only comes
from truly knowing another
by taking the time
to wade through the tough stuff
rather than drifting apart

water wearing down rocks
running over the grooves
into the guts of who we are
rubbing against and refining the shape of our relationship
washing away pieces we didn’t need
and healing those places
where we hurt each other deeply
acknowledging and apologizing when necessary
calmly carrying us toward understanding

and so we have this life
together
one that has been cut and carved out
by the surge of our streams merging
through a shared language
of smooches and birdies and love your face
a smile that conveys the silent “I love you”
a knowing touch
and even the heated words
followed by a gentle embrace

we flow side by side
your strong and steady stream of life
coursing next to my current of consciousness
before swirling together
and then parting again
strong enough to run on our own
but stronger still when supported by one another
we spill over with love