by Rebecca Cheek

A partner’s hug,
——- held so tightly.
Please,
———-never let me go.
Even when,
———-I withdraw.
Hold steadfast.

Shaking and sobbing,
———tears slowly stream down my face.
Shock of the moment.
———Fear.
———Finality.

Holding the pain
——–as my heart breaks
——————-makes it all worth it, right?
To have this warm,
———strong embrace.
To know
———–what it’s like
——————–to experience healthy love.

Love in action.

To hear
———the words “I love you”
And not brace
———-for the impact
—————-of what’s to come.

To smell
———the scent
—————-of my partner’s skin,
————————0—pure and calming.

To allow
———someone else to shoulder
———————the burden with me.
——————————-Sometimes for me.

No conditions required.
————Safety.
———– Home.

Rebecca Cheek

Rebecca Cheek (she/her/hers) is a transracial International Korean American adoptee living in South Carolina. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from the University of Alabama in Huntsville with a background in manufacturing of drug delivery systems and quality assurance management in chemical manufacturing. However, she is currently taking a pause in her professional career to raise her children and trying to figure out what she wants to do when she (really) grows up. In the meantime, she’s actively volunteering through multiple organizations. She’s a peace seeker, who strives to live her life yogically.

_{^{Artist: Yeon Eung-jun}}