No Longer Numb

He was my vision of a good life. I soon, became his new wife. Celebrations were grand Then, we did not demand. Together we shared goals…hoped. Disappointments came, we coped. I gave all that she had. Through the good and the bad. At Christmas, I lavished him with gifts. I could have written his book of festschrifts Anything he wanted, I would try to buy. I went all out, do or die! Birthdays came, I was never remiss. My joy was his happiness. Material things for me, he did dismiss. Instead, he gave me his sweetest kiss. At first, I was only sad. Later I became very mad! Later, the economy failed, Some of our dreams bailed. But love was not lost. Amid differences tossed. Eventually, I began to learn Even through disappointment’s burn. Wisdom brought its hum. Now, I am no Longer Numb. Pure love is loveliest… When selfishness is lowliest. To give freely without expectation of return is bliss. To give with dreams of reciprocation… dismiss. © February 21, 2011 Dane Smith-Johnsen