Just got back from the writing group I teach at the maximum security prison. I was so moved by this powerful poem, for the first time, I asked some of the women if I could reprint their work here and they gave me permission. This is the first I will include, and I love it – make sure you read it all the way through.
What Love Means To Me
by Patricia Aaron
Love is when your soul opens up and things start to happen that you can’t
quite explain. Love is waking up one morning and all you can do is think about the person you love. And there’s no one else you’d rather start your
day with. Love is knowing you have that someone who will always be there for you.
Love is having understanding and the freedom to be yourself at all times
and not having to change for anyone. Love is feelings, doubt, betrayal,
growth, and knowing how to forgive your mate. Love is like a job; you
never stop working on it. Love is never holding anything in and never
hiding anything, no matter how much it may hurt you. Love is being true
and going through hard times together.
Love is overwhelming and it feels so good (Smile). This is what it means,
I’m glad I’m not in love.
Jenny Meyerhoff
March 3, 2010 - 10:23 pm ·Wow! I love how that last line just turns the whole poem on it's head and makes you rethink everything you just read.
Thanks for sharing!
Katie Davis
March 4, 2010 - 6:30 am ·That's exactly what I thought. It draws you along, as though it's "Love Never Means Having to Say You're Sorry" kind of thing and then WHAMMO!
That's what it's like teaching in prison, too. Very emotional and fulfilling.
Thanks for the comment, Jenny!