Never Without You

Never have I ever

brought home a first date

only to cuddle for five hours

after sleeping apart all night

as you call the next day saying "love you"

Never have I ever

spent every weekend with one person

driving two hours each way

braving snow chain warnings

just to sleep in their bed

Never have I ever

moved together with someone

into a new city and job

cramming all our hopes and dreams

into a 600 sq ft apartment

Never have I ever

walked home from a shelter

with 30 lbs of fur and attitude

that completely adored you

and kicked me in bed every night

Never have I ever

considered buying real estate

especially in this state

tying myself up in equity

with another person for 30 years

Never have I ever

imagined proposing marriage

facing my fears in the ring

and handing them to you

as you calmly pull me through

Never have I ever

agreed to raising children

whether ours or not

at the sacrifice of sanity and career

with someone who still hates their veggies

Never would I ever

imagined having a home

or a family of my own

grappling with all the fears inside me

- except for having you beside me