Driving To Lunch

As I drive to meet him and his dad for lunch

My mind drifts through the possibilities of conversation topics.

Will we talk about the weather? Or sports?

Or will small talk drift idly away

Pushing us towards the question that I’ve been asked only once before?

Last time, it was posed as a joke.

A harmless quip with serious undertones,

and I was asked a seemingly simple question:

“So, you seem lovely… how’d you end up with a guy like this?”

Last time I heard it,

the question seemed underhanded and demeaning

And so as I drive, I ponder what I’d respond

Giving myself time to think about it.

If his dad asks me today,

“So, why are you with my son?”

What would I answer?

There are hundreds of things I could say

And none hold enough weight to convey the multitude of reasons

For wanting his son in my life.

Continuing this conversation-

though only in my mind-

I compose an answer.

“Sir, I am an adrenaline junkie.

I am always on a search for a constant high,

but my current mental state never allows me to reach it.

I am in a constant battle between responsibility and want,

A battle between agony and need.”

“But your son,

He doesn’t make me crave sky diving and explosions.

He shows me beauty in the mundane.

Your son is the kind of person that I want to take on every adventure,

With a kind heart that makes me want to bring him home safe.”

“In summary, Sir,

Your son radiates warmth,

comfort,

security,

and peace.

Never in my life have I been okay with peace.

But when I’m with him,

peace feels like a privilege,

not a punishment.

His serenity is something I crave,

And he’s shown me that peace isn’t so bad,

especially in good company.”