August 15, 2023 – Image & Verse

Original digital realistic art: “A Love Beyond The Stars” by: rob kistner © 8/15/23

My love
we have both moved forward
into a definitive time
of critical personal transition

all we humans know
and perhaps
grudgingly accept
that we will
as it’s been said
perish from this earth

in our early lives
that hangs in the air
conceptually

it is not definitive

we need not move it
to the top of our
what’s next list
and certainly
not to top of the list
“when”

but for you and I
lover
that “what’s next” list
has a top
the “what” topper

for me
that topper is CHF
congestive heart failure

for me
it is the leading contender
for “what takes Rob out”

the “when” is still
not in black and white
but a dark grey — soon
is the odds on favorite
to top the “when” list

for you, dear Kathy
it is most possibly
your throat cancer
that tops your “what” list

though I have joined with you
in an ongoing battle
to forestal your “when”

make no mistake
we’re both on a fast moving
transition track
on a timetable of totality
and the clock is ticking
loudly

we both stand
fully in grasp
of this reality

of our transitions

we accept the challenge
in both our cases
and we fight on

to infinity
and beyond
to a timeless place
beyond the bounds
of temporal space

I want to applaud you
my bright star
for your courage
in this most difficult time
of our dual transitions

I want you to know
precisely — that

your courage
know wholly that

know that —
in your soul
my lover
my warrior

I am proud of who you are
and honored by your love

also
I want you to know
to feel

please hear
beyond just these words
because my deepest love
is in here — calling

I pray I can hold on
to the wonder of you
my love
for a lifetime longer

however long that may prove to be

please know
my beautiful warrior
that I have
that I do
and that I will forever
beyond the stars
love you
with all my heart

with all the essence
of my being

THANK YOU!

This one is just for you, my love…