Love me with Dignity

Love me with Dignity

BY Mayra Cardoza

Dear lover, 

Neighbor, 

Friend, 

Love me with dignity. 

Not because we share the same skin,

But because you see the human within. 

My eyes, a reflection of your own 

A mirror of your fears, 

Your doubts, 

Your silent regrets. 

Though your dreams differ from mine, I hope

you see how we both reach for the sky. 

Maybe somewhere beyond, 

Anywhere to land 

With two feet steady on solid ground. 

An interconnectedness at play 

Like an invisible string tied to fate, 

One that cannot be broken, 

Not by oceans, 

Not by galaxies, 

Not by lifetimes. 

Instead, strengthened by 

Shared glances, 

Gentle embraces, 

And easy laughter, 

Which reminds us 

That while on this path toward stability, through the blood, 

Sweat, 

And tears, 

In this ever-expanding universe,

There is no me

without you.