View From the Passenger Seat

Looking at me
bemused
tired eyes crinkled, smiling
it's clear you don't understand
why I hitched this ride
and never looked back

Through every bump and curve
every quick brake
head bouncing off the windshield
burning rubber
blowout tire
van in the ditch collision

(we survived more than one)

I called shot gun
claimed my seat
and I stayed

We laughed until we cried
and cried until we laughed again
hurt so much we didn't know where
one began and the other might end

there's no reason in pain

or in love

and I was (am)

with your hands
calloused and strong
clutching the wheel
driving through your valleys
showing off sunsets from hilltops
listening to beach birds
sharing your stories
while waves lapped the sand
marking time

In the aftermath
struggling to breathe
finding our feet
hurling expletives
hearts in hands
"fuck you" meant more
than three little words
could contain

I understood
because this love
is ugly-beautiful

I'm riding shotgun
till the end