Today

I was seventeen and a freshman in college when I first heard the song, "Today." We sang it at candlelight ceremonies and the one who was secretly engaged announced their engagement by blowing out the candle when it was handed to her.

"Today while the blossom still clings to the vine, I'll taste your strawberries. I'll drink your sweet wine." Those words are as sweet for me today as they were long ago. 

But now they fill me with longing for all those moments when I thought I had found true love forever.  Forever it seems is a very short time for human beings.

When I love I am consumed. I write poetry, paint pictures, play music and I smile all the time. Love is such a beautiful feeling, I would keep it always if I could. But love truly is like the ocean. It ebbs and flows, rises and falls and is so much greater than I am that it carries me along with it, holding me up to the light until I am burning with joy and then plunging me down deep into the depths where the sunlight is impossible to see, if it is there at all.

I need those people who are willing to dive in after me and save me from myself. The ones who understand that I know, I understand, but I just can't always cope. I need the muses and people who can listen with understanding and kindness, knowing I am floundering. They are the life preservers sent Today to remind me there are still blossoms on the vine and wine only grows better with time.