Shallow Vows

If you were to say you love me,

How much of that is true?

If I said you couldn't kiss me,

Would my love cease to satisfy you?

If my scarlet hair became a quiet gray,

Could you still treat me as a woman who is equal to you?

If my eyes recede into faded blue,

Would you hold me in your arms for as long as you do?

If I forget the moment I fell in love,

Could you recite the story as you promised to?

If I cry as days go on,

Would you lend me your shoulder whenever I need you to?

Eons ago, I pegged that query to you.

White flowers in hand, I pleaded with you.

I do, you said.

You said it didn't you?

As I sit here on this deck, as flowers bloom

Quiet gray hair, and fading blue.

I think to myself as old women do,

Where the man who promised me, flew?

Maybe I should have asked,

you not to hurt me too.