Wait A While.
By Bethany Lerch
We haven’t met yet, but
I hope he is clever and curious
independent and gracious
strong-willed and open-minded
thoughtful and a lover of laughter.
We haven’t met yet, but
I hope he is brave when
he feels fear come close
I hope he stands tall when
he meets a soul-shaking test.
We haven’t met yet, but
I hope he likes a good run
as much as he likes pecan pie
I hope he wants to live long
as much as he wants to live well.
We haven’t met yet, but we will
help others even if we are weary
go to church even if we sing off-key
fly faraway places even if we get lost
lay on the beach even if we get sunburned.
We haven’t met yet, but
I will surely exude joy
because bitterness doesn’t belong
And I will abide by happiness
because optimism is essential.
We haven’t met yet, but
I will want to hold hands
because to touch is to feel
And I will want to be near
because my passion is vast.
We haven’t met yet, but
I will always be on his side
because it’s our side
And I will always be there for him
because I will fight for us.
Though I am whole alone
I will wait a while
because together we will be
captivated and true
unafraid and forever.
*****
Bethany is an independent writer based in Leipzig, Germany. Of the fiery, no-nonsense variety, she’s an advocate of bold language, meaningful action and the kind of writing that moves. She teaches undergraduate and graduate students of American Studies at the University of Leipzig and loves to travel, run, and read when she is not practicing her craft. See more of her writing at bethanylerch.com.