Peter, on the twelfth day of Christmas

On the twelfth day of Christmas

my true love said to me,

“Do you love me?

I know you believe in me—

but do you love me?

That’s all I want,

all I’ve ever wanted.

Listen: I see the many things

you do for me—all that work

borne of good intentions—

but I’m not asking you

to do more for me;

I just want to be with you—

I love you.

If you really need

to do something for me

to show me your love,

just do this:

notice me.

Look for me in others,

and when you see me there,

notice inside yourself

the thrill of recognition—

as if you’ve just found me

playing hide-and-seek

like a childhood friend.

Then, just tell others

how you see me in them—

because when you tell them,

you’re really telling me.

So, I ask again,

‘Do you love me?’”

My true love asked this

three times,

far fewer than the counting

of my countless denials,

but more than the

single measureless life

he gave for me.

Do I love him?

Yes, I do—

but I’m still learning

and I need help, so—

will you love him with me?

………………………….

Peter, on the twelfth day of Christmas

by troy cady

after John 21:15-19

January 5, 2019