The Benefits of Turmeric

The first night we fell asleep together,
I said, “Holy shit. We fit.”
Because we do.

I’d been in the arms of someone else
before you.
It wasn’t the same—
not as perfect,
not as dizzying,
not as safe.
Or as unnervingly addictive.

I watch you talk to people,
your whole body leaned into them.
I imagine they feel
like the most important person in the room,
with the most important story to tell.
And I love that for them.
But I love it about you more—
because you remember
every detail with kindness,
and an excitement to learn.

You don’t worship me,
which is confusing.
Or maybe exactly what I need.
But I remember the night
you waited at the gate—
how you followed me home
just to say, I want you.

I remember the first time
I realized I had big feelings,
from a window seat
in that kitchen.
Seated in sukhasana,
as I always am,
listening to you tell me
about the benefits of turmeric.

I tell your sister:
You’re the funniest person I’ve ever known.
And I’m not always ready to laugh.
Because the world makes me
too thoughtful
and muddied.
But you unstick me.

I remember the morning
we moved the bed
to be closer to the sun streaming in—
how happy you looked.

And I promise,
the next time we’re on a trail,
I’ll do that thing that made us both laugh,
so you can take my picture.

(Daily Writing 037)