Dear Love
written by: Jenny Morelli
@JennyMo31725980
Dear Love,
It’s that time of year again
with that loathsome holiday devoted to you
that somehow always has me
rolling my eyes
and scoffing Love Schmove
under my breath. While I don’t hate
the concept,
I always fall short
on meeting the expectations
that Hallmark dictates. What words of wisdom
might you have for me,
dear Love?
Dear Jenny,
I’m surprised
you reached out to me
after so many years.
It’s been a while
but I’ve never left your side
and here’s what I’ve noticed.
You haven’t let me in
in a very long time.
Well,
you’ve never
really opened the door
more than a peek to begin with,
and I’d love to chat with your parents about that,
but this conversation
is between you
and me
and today
and this moment,
so, here’s what I’d like for you to know.
I’ve never been
more than a heartbeat away,
however much you push and push
and say you’re incapable
of love,
because I don’t give up
as easily as you think, so since you asked,
I want you to know
that you can love and do, often
and with passion.
It’s just that your love language
is different
from what Hallmark’s been selling.
Every cold winter morning
when you bring your hubby a cup of hot tea
and slippers and robe,
every time you cuddle Simba,
every peanut you give your backyard squirrels
and every bowl of corn
you leave for the deer,
you’re proving
you can
love.
And those
students who pour into
your classroom each morning
full
of smiles and hope?
That is the mom-love gene
you believed you didn’t have.
So don’t give up on yourself. Love
comes in the smallest moments more often
than those grand Valentine’s Day roses-and-chocolates gestures,
so,
with every beat
of your heart, with every hug
and teacup and kitty-snuggle and peanut
and corn kernel and student smile, I’m here with you.
I’m here to tell
you you’re always loving, even if
you think you’re not. Even if you think you can’t.
Love,
Me
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