I Have Volunteered Myself To You Poem by Susan Lacovara

I have volunteered myself, to you
on occasions, many...
Christmas Eves, that promised purifying snow
to blanket the loneliness
of opening gifts you bought, for yourself...
On birthdays, when your mother's call never came,
and your brother was conveniently
looked upon as the prodigal son...

I have extended an open invitation,
insuring I will leave my door unlocked,
when you've out driving
and your intended destination disappears
before your tired eyes...
I will always offer up a safe place to fall...
And quench what thirst you have brought...

I have volunteered myself, to you
when no one was around, or could be found
to hear your sifted-through stories,
share a meal, or lie silent, by your aching side..
It has been a benefit, to me, also...
(though you never bring that up)
I know the unsettling feeling
of having to ask for someone else's attention
when the whole world seems to pay no attention...
and how grateful I am for a flash of who I used to be...
Before I NEEDED SOMEONE, to volunteer for me...

Strangely enough, WE ONCE WERE strangers
'Til, on a winter's night, frostbiten by the fear
that love was meant for all,
BUT TWO...
we miraculously migrated,
intrigued by the mystery
of what was hidden behind
each other's painted-on holiday smile..
(seemingly sarcastic, at first glimpse)
And was enveloped in your scent...
and uncharacteristically,
did seize that opportunity to solicitate a kiss,
A lingering liquid, soft seduction...
Laced in the surrender of a sympathetic soul,
Gingerly, yet generously placed
upon your pouting lips,
to leave you pondering what to make of me...
Therein began my volunteering myself, to you.