A Sonnet for R

First glances linger longer to a gaze,
first touches growing certain over time,
the minutes become hours become days,
and years when I am yours and you are mine.

Fortuitous our meeting to my heart,
a recognition of what life could be,
I found in you my truest counterpart,
who raised me up and resurrected me.

First arguments and words in anger said,
acknowledgments of weaker darker sides,
first nights alone without you in my bed,
and distance growing equal to our pride.

But gratitude holds my heart from despair,
for you taught me such hurt can be repaired.