Parts Of You

by Ron Rosoff

(for Jo Mapes)

Metaphors fail me in their profusion.

The many ways and places

you have touched my life:

at times bruising a confused vanity;

then an angel's breath

soothing the painful love I struggled to share,

your acceptance comforting me.

In every sense, across countless memories....

if fingerprints and DNA could be lifted from my soul,

they would be yours.

Our time sustained and guided me.

You became my accidental guru,

short term lover,

and lifelong love.

Parts of you have become parts of me,

some blending into my now,

others remain pristinely you.

How many

carry parts of your joy, your life

entwined in their spirits...

grateful

for having you pass across their lives?

You promised nil,

but gave all you dared,

showing me your wounds

open before my closed, frightened fury.

In time, I also learned to share...

parts for parts.