New Present...same as it ever was

 You told me it would be blue

but I was still surprised

when it arrived 

and was the exact same hue

as the object I had dreamt about 

the night before

You kept reminding me

how much lighter it is

than the old one 

 You told me it would be blue

but it still took three years 

for me to figure out 

that the sadness you wear is literal

and I just keep my head up

Our dogs bark

at the actual drop of a hat

and at the sound of our patio door

I just want to know you will be alright

and that you’ve taken the time

to think about how surreal it is

that we’re a couple. I love you 

What’s your favorite thing about me?

Nephew

You grew up so fast

so sweet

and right

None of the wrong

in your life

is in you

You mentioned on the phone

how I wasn’t around

as much

when you were young

and my gut upturned

because I thought I was

I am trying to get better

at keeping quiet

when we talk about family 

listening to you talk about your mother

is the best version of my sister I know

Your words only speak love

You are 

Exceptional

You overcame their flaws

You did all the things 

I wanted to save you from

You loved, despite it all