Solar System Murals

Solar System Murals

A Poem by Brigid Cooley

When we were 5 years old, I loved you because you had solar systems painted on your bedroom walls and a rocking horse in your living room.

People said we were a good height for each other, and I thought that meant we would get married in the future.

Back then, love was simply a four letter word that I could spell backwards and forwards.

Back then, love was simple.

I don't love you like that anymore.

Now, I love you like I love lemonade in the summer and hot tea in November; it comes and goes with the seasons.

I love you enough to have let go.

Nowadays, love is more complicated than l-o-v-e.

Nowadays, we are more complicated than e-v-o-l.

You are still a good height for me. That doesn't mean we should marry one another.

You have strong arms. You once wrapped them around me as though I gave you something to write about.

I am proud of who you are and of who I have become.

Now, love means that I will always have a place for you somewhere deep in my chest.

When you feel lost, I will try to remind you of who you are.

You are a boy who has solar systems on his walls.

A boy with strong arms and quiet eyes.

A boy who taught me how to move on.

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