Our friends got married in June, their true real love made legal at last. And we were there, their people, all of us cheers and smiles and hugs and holding fast our hopes for a brighter tomorrow, as the One World spire lit up the gibbous sky in rainbows. And my toes, oh my toes.
Pride by the water
Two sweet lovers said I do
I wore the wrong shoes
**************
This is a poem for Rebecca’s May/June poetry challenge over at Fake Flamenco – to capture an imperfect moment in a haibun. (I’m bending her rules just a little bit, by about 15 words. I hope she doesn’t mind.)
It’s also a true story, and a celebration, a lamentation, a statement of support and hope. We aren’t where we were, back in 2016 when Graham and I attended this beautiful wedding of two very dear friends – not least because I now refuse to wear high heels – but we aren’t, as a society, where we’ll end up either. I have to believe that. I have to believe we’ll do better. I have to believe it for all the people I love who love each other but are afraid, for the people I love who can’t be their whole selves without fear and just live every day like everyone else.
You never have to be afraid with me, and I will always have a safe space for you in my heart and in my home. I’m proud of you. And I love you for exactly who you’ve always been meant to be.
A Virginia Writer's Diary 
wonderful, but it is you, so of course
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Perfect way to say it! Thank you.
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Thank you both!
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Thank you so much! This comment made my day. 🙂
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I know how your toes feel 😊
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It’s a universal feeling, I think. 🙂
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This is just beautiful, and so encouraging and hopeful.
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Thank you. That’s exactly what I wanted it to be, so I’m glad you liked it. 🙂 I’m feeling a little melancholy this week with the state of things, but hopeful, too.
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I think most of us are feeling that way. You help us all!
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Yep, we are not alone, and there’s strength and hope in being here together. I’m glad I can help a little. 🙂
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This is such a sweet post. You’re right, a lot has changed. All over the world actually. But as someone that studied history one thing I’ve noticed is that things generally get really bad before they get significantly better. So I do believe you’re right, this is not the end and things will get better.
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I really hope I am. And you’re right that it’s different all over the world. There’s love and support all over the world, too, and I agree that in the end, it will win. 🙂
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So true, there’s still a lot of love out there too. 🙂
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Katie, I love your writing and your heart. I am so thankful we found each other
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Thank you for your kind words! I feel exactly the same. 🙂
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This is a beautiful and heartfelt haibun. 😊 It captures joy, love, and celebration so vividly, while also holding space for reflection and hope. The small personal detail in the haiku adds charm and honesty, and the closing thoughts bring a deep sense of compassion and humanity. A moving piece about love, acceptance, and believing in a better future gentle, real, and full of heart.
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Thank you so much for these kind words! I’m so glad you liked the poem and the post.
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You’re most welcome 🤗
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