To The One I Love

I can't promise that you will truly know me;

In a lifetime's seeking

I have not yet come to know myself.

I can say that I will always show you

Where I am on that journey;

Open or closed, strong or afraid, passionate or empty.

I can't promise that I will always be there for you;

I have not yet mastered always being there for myself.

I can say that I will support you to the best of my ability,

In good times and in bad.

I can't promise that I will support you in ways that are gentle and kind;

Sometimes the only way I can support you is to let you fall,

Or to fight against you.

I can say that for as long as you are on your journey,

You can count on the power of my intention

That you reach your fullest and highest potential.

I can't promise that I will always give you what you want,

Or even what you need.

I can say that even when my resources are limited,

My desire to give to you is boundless.

I can't promise that I will never hurt you;

I will make mistakes, and even if I were perfect,

In following my heart's truth I may still cause you pain.

I can say that my intention will always be the highest good for you,

As well as me, and anyone else involved,

And that I want to hear your pain and hold it, whenever it arises.

I can't promise to be consistent, or predictable;

I am following an inner compass,

Which is capricious and confusing,

But is also the key to my soul.

I can say that I will strive always to speak and act mindfully,

And not make rash choices based on whims, or voices from the past.

I can't promise that I will keep any promises I have made in the past;

At each turn in the path, everything may change.

I can say that I will constantly work to be clearer in communication,

More responsible in making promises, and more powerful in manifesting what I say.

I can't promise that things will go back to they way they were once before;

We are not the people we once were.

I can say that every time we reach a new level of understanding,

And look back in horror at what we have been doing to one another,

We have the opportunity to create something cleaner, freer,

And more powerful than ever before.

I can't promise that we will achieve our goals;

We may outgrow them,

Or never grow into the people who can achieve them.

I can say that I will always have goals and work towards them,

That I will understand and support your goals,

And I invite you to create shared goals with me –

Not for the having of the results, but for the sheer joy of playing side by side.

I can't promise that I will always listen to you;

My triggers and bad habits may get in the way.

I can say that it is my heart's desire to know you -

Your dreams, your fears, your passions and your soul's depths,

And I ask you to be patient, and generous,

And be willing to try speaking again.

I can't promise that I will always do the things you recognise as loving;

I may at times simply be incapable.

I can say that I have never known a love to vast, so grounded, so deep,

And whether or not I show it,

My soul is shaped by the immense power of my love for you,

And always will be.

I can't promise to die in your arms,

Though I cannot think of a better place to die;

Our lives' paths may take us to distant and opposite parts of the globe.

I can say that wherever and whenever I die,

You will be present in my heart, adored and glowing,

Wrapped in the gratitude I feel for everything you have contributed

To my life, my growth, and the nourishing of my soul.

I can't promise you any thing, my love.

I can say that you will always have my love, admiration and respect;

That I cherish your body, your soul, and your potential,

And that I would like to share the journey with you.

I invite you to step into the unknown with me,

And dance.

Image: nattu

Copyright 2010 Ford Family Trust