We Saw Each Other

You reached up and gently 

But firmly grasped my arm 

As you guided me down from the steed. 

The way you had done many times before

Keeping me safe, cared for 

And protected. 

A young lady and her family’s groom 

From very different worlds and expectations.

For the first time, I looked down 

And saw your face. 

I saw your face. 

I saw you. 

Instead of looking through you 

With the unearned arrogance 

I foolishly considered my birthright. 

I truly, and finally, saw you. 

Your eyes as deep, blue and dangerous as the waters

At the base of Aillte an Mhothair. 

The desire to leap into their watery depths

Was overwhelming, instantaneous and fierce.

I should have recoiled 

Holding my head high and proud. 

I should have dismissed you and walked away

As society demanded I do. 

Yet seemingly, with no other choice, 

I let myself tumble and fall over the precipice

Into the dark mysterious danger of you. 

The danger of us. 

Without any resistance. 

Without any remorse. 

And you saw me too. 

For the first time 

You truly saw me. 

As no one else in this ever had or could. 

Recognizing the brokenness 

Mirrored in the blackness of our separateness

That only served to make us one.

Igniting a flame deep within our spirits, 

A flame that has burned for many lifetimes 

Both of us 

Willingly, and without fear, 

Accepted the challenge that our souls demanded. 

Never once flinching in reticence 

As the boundaries of our lives were obliterated 

We were damned. 

We were blessed. 

We saw each other.