A Relationship To Be Real Poem by Suki Nakamura

a relationship to be real
must be a two-way
street,

two hands holding
gently along the tough
rough roads of life

but it can be more than that.
envision an end,
how an end
ends itself
at the bend?

two hands slapping each
other's faces?
instead of clapping in gladness
there are many
possibilities
of pain and gain
and be sane

relationship too
die a natural death
like a drug meeting
an expiration date

do we end this love
like a change of the season?
it is our choice
that really matters
the decision to be
and end in itself
like fingers finally closing
in anger


to be real two hearts must be ready
and not say with finality that there is
no other way.

it must be
ready with an entrance and
an exit, a fire escape, and
some firemen to put off
a conflagration

on the other hand
there must be a path towards
a big reception hall
where we can talk and shake our hands
sip our juices and
say hellos (and if we utter the word goodbye)
let it be so kind and gentle
let no one be hurt that much
like the wind that comes to our window
and then passes by
without breaking any glass
by the window pane

what we hear is just a hush
a flute that plays upon itself and then takes back its notes
unto its mouth
so carefully like a light from the far horizon
fading to a darkness that also brings
a substitute of a handful stars.