I got married a little while ago and when it came to choosing a quote to get printed on our guestbook, my husband and I went on the hunt for some good poetry. We didn’t want a ‘live, love, laughter’ phrase – we wanted something that could capture the struggle of love, the accomplishment of enduring love through a storm and seeing the light, the long-term fulfillment found in touching the deep, ugly flaws in another person and choosing to love them anyway.
I came across this poem from one of my favourite writers, Warsan Shire, and I just wanted to post it because I think it’s worth sharing.
“first thought after seeing you smile,” by Warsan Shire
come with every wound
and every woman you’ve ever loved
every lie you’ve ever told
and whatever it is that keeps you up at night
every mouth you’ve ever punched in
all the blood you’ve ever tasted
come with every enemy you’ve ever made
and all the family you’ve ever buried
and every dirty thing you’ve ever done
every drink that’s burnt your throat
and every morning you’ve woken
with nothing and no one
come with all your loss
your regrets, sins
memories
black outs
secrets
come with all the rot in your mouth
and that voice like needle hitting record
come with your kind eyes and weeping knuckles
come with all your shame
come with your swollen heart
i’ve never seen anything more beautiful than you.
Maz Halima 