The Surprise You Are
I didn’t expect you, didn’t know I was asking for you
twin, soul source, friend, mate, you, who were suddenly there
in that pink dress, ballerina, floating into my vision
rare creature, man and woman, Trans, so beautiful
and my heart shattered, a glass too full of joy
so that now, every time I see you, butterflies dance
just under my ribs, singing accompanies your appearance
and I would, I would, I would defy whatever demons
the world would throw in your way, to keep you safe
to keep on laughing with you, your hand in mine
the hand of the friend I’ve always wanted, just didn’t
know the package would surprise me so.
(for Daniel)
James Stansberry is a Seattle writer/cancer warrior/psychic/medium
SHARING STORIES is a weekly column for and about the 50 plus crowd living in the Puget Sound region. Send your stories and photos to ariele@comcast.net. Tell local or personal stories; discuss concerns around aging and other issues; share solutions, good luck, and reasons to celebrate; poems are fine too. Pieces may be edited or excerpted. We reserve the right to select among pieces. Photos are always a plus and a one-sentence bio is requested (where you live, maybe age or career, retired status, etc.).
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