Stepping stones – The path through relationships – Poem

My past is littered with failed relationships.  As a teen my grandmother told me that I was fickle, she was probably right.   I’m not going to try to analyse why I had such a very long string of boyfriends, fiancées, one night stands and one ex-husband.  I wrote this post on one aspect but was painfully aware that it only skimmed the surface.  I hope that my poor track record has been redeemed through being with my husband Clifford for 10 years now.  The names in the poem are real and some names have been left out or forgotten.   Yes I am embarrased by big chunks of my past, but the fact remains that each relationship is part of the sum of me.  I also feel that because I really and truely know what’s out there (the good and the bad) I shall never feel any hankering for what may be outside my marriage.  I’m satisfied that I am with the man who is the best fit for me,  I have multiple points of reference.

STEPPING STONES

David, Ross and Marc

I clothed you in shimmering romance

but the music in my mind

Never matched the dance

 

Ken and Len

you took from me

Innocence and joy

you hurt and discarded me

a broken, unloved toy

 

Harry and Barry

you laughed with me

Offered no pretence

No promise of forever

respite from circumstance

 

Ian and Grant

you left me and

your children from my womb

but your leaving

left me stronger

that pain now a sealed tomb

 

Mike, Lance and John

You were a waste of time

I wish that I had known

That you weren’t worth a dime

 

Alex and Norman

I’m sorry

if I caused you pain

I didn’t mean to hurt you

but I’m sure that you loved again

 

Gavin you showed me a glimpse

of the girl before dreams died

Your noble spirit nurtured me

and I forgot to hide

 

and then my darling Clifford

you came when time was right

after storms had cleared

love’s morning followed night

the others were all

stepping-stones

on my way to you

culmination of hearts journey

in search of right and true