18 Christmases Together

We are officially adults. 
Immature still in our love, aged in our time. 
I gave you the ring in November. 
Come thou long expected Jesus would turn into 
Come thou long expected engagement. 

Veteran’s Day was the only option. 
We are veterans now too. 
We have lived a life together in experiences and wars - 
Wars of my own making and a tearing down of myself. 
PTSD under my Christmas tree. 

Another ring this year would not be worn. 
You have no desire for it. 
You only ask of the true beauty of myself, 
A diamond you say, surrounded by its own rough. 
You see what I can’t. 

So I share another gift, another year. 
Making it from one season to the next. 
Here I am, simply yours.