Relationship questions

I wrote these questions sometime in freshman year of college. I was thinking about what it meant to have a real relationship, and somehow I can pinpoint the problems in all my relationships by looking at these questions.

I I wanted you, would you want me?
Once we were together, would you still act the same?
When I needed to be loved, would you love me?
If I were alone, would you seek me out?
If I were in danger, would you protect me?
If I were crying, would you comfort me?
If I were cold, would you keep me warm?
When I called, would you answer?
If I were sick, would you care for me?
When I needed a kiss, would you satisfy me?
No matter the outcome, would you do what was best for me?
If you had feelings for someone else, would you act on them?
If something were wrong, would you tell me?
If something were wrong, would you work to make it right?
Through it all, would you be my best friend?

Paradox

I wrote this in approximately Fall 2001. While not my best work, it continues to hold truth for me.

I want to see
but not what hurts
I want to know
as long as it's good
I want to learn
as long as it's not too hard
I want to work
but not if it's too much effort
I want to strive
as long as I achieve
I want you
if you love me
I want to give
but it's hard not to receive
I want happiness
but I know that comes with time
I want to grow
but I know that means trials
I want to wish
but I want it to come true
I want power
but I fear responsibility

Tradition

A working draft, 2/17/09

Cooking with
fresh herbs from our garden-
vegetables that we tended
together.
Laundry, bills
(responsibilities of growing up).
But you still come home
and kiss me.
We're making plans.
Jobs, trips, family.
Something I wasn't sure
I'd ever do.
Yet now my victories, my losses,
and yours,
wouldn't feel right
without a me and you.