Yes, I’m ready,
but only if you love me.
I meant everything I said.
I saw you volunteering
at the Food Not Bombs stand
and beckoning with your hand.
I wasn’t avoiding you.
I only rushed home
to get the ring
that I planned to surprise you with.
I see you’re angry
and I love that green fire
in your eyes.
I see how ready you are
to disbelieve me
and that gives me pause.
I meant everything I said.
I love your freckled beauty,
your red regality. I admire
your tiger’s muscularity,
your strength after years
of addiction and stagnation;
the way you got clean
and travelled the world,
drifting like a ronin.
I sense that you’ve ripened
in a moment. Suddenly
you are primed, and here I am
standing before you,
wanting you. But only
if you love me
and can tell me so
as clearly
as your own resurrection.
* * *
Wael Abdelgawad
June 1, 2012
Fresno, California