Tamrick Bateman

You call yourself a banana.

Too white to be Asian, too Asian to be white.

It's a fine line to walk, one that includes great scrutiny from both sides. It's difficult to explain how much I respect and adore the unique combination of both worlds that have made you who you are.

You've lived more life in thirty-two years than some people live in a lifetime.

I love you the way I love a moment. I know you're not mine, and I could never keep you like a book on a shelf- but I want nothing more than to fully immerse myself in you and hold on tight.

Fully enjoy every detail that makes up YOU. We're not forever, but my god, you're a supernova that lights up the sky and makes colors explode behind closed eyes.

Your absolute generosity with those you care about.

Your unique love language of "I'll make time." Even when you technically don't have any.

Your kneading massages on my arms and legs that hurt so bad while watching movies/existing together.

Your little smile of joy, the one that lights up your whole face, shows all your teeth and makes your eyes crinkle.

Your enjoyment of horror and dark humor, and use of it as an outlet.

The way you struggle to look me in the eye when you're trying to keep it together.

The little dad tours you give me when we drive through the city.

The phrase, "noodles falling out of my pockets" that is uniquely you.

The fifteen-minute timers you set to manage internal emotional meltdowns.

Your openness and vast interest in the kink scene.

The carefully controlled psycho that lives within you while you live out your days as Tamrick Bateman. I see you, and I find beauty in that struggle.

You've got me saying shit I never thought I'd say, like "baby girl" and "moan louder for me" as you moan obscenities in my ear and quake at my touch.

I thought I'd left religion for good, but you are church.

It's a complicated web of reality we find ourselves in, but I'm so glad I found myself in it with you.

You're not perfect, but I find perfection in you.

You are darkness and light; sides of the same coin.