Harlan and Jennifer, August 25, 2012
"Your naked body should only belong to those who fall in love with your naked soul." -- Charlie Chaplin in a letter to his daughter Geraldine
Love me and live with me. Take from me, give to me.
Let me be all things to you.
Need me and ask for me. Set any task for me.
Show me the world from your view.
Hear my confessions. Forgive my transgressions.
Hold me with all of your might.
Chase me, embrace me. Entice me, unlace me.
Caress me 'til morning's first light.
Roam and explore with me. Leap with me, soar with me.
Linger with me when I'm slow.
Catch me and steady me. Guide me and ready me.
Help me know when to let go.
Hope for the best with me. Plan for the rest with me.
Know what my cancer portends.
Bandage and balm me. Comfort me, calm me.
Soothe me when darkness descends.
Tell me our time has been more than sublime.
Whisper that though we will part,
Our spirits enmesh, transcending the flesh,
And I'll always live in your heart.
This column originally appeared on parade.com. For more by Jennifer Glass, click here. "Like" Jennifer's Facebook page here. See her video, A Photo a Day: One Year with Cancer.