Herself

I want her in that most basic way
That need to undress her very slowly
To hold her close admire her charms
Let her perfume invade my senses
Feel the softness of her lips on mine
As our tongues share a loving dance
But none of that is possible
For many reasons we both accept
Much more than distance between us
It's a barrier much more important
Life has taught her to ration trust
To hide behind masks and doors
To be so circumspect
To keep a warriors stance at all times
And I will always totally respect that
For I am a warrior too
Reared and raised to protect
To be the voice of those I care about
To shield them from life’s storms
To respect their freedom
And their need to fly high
To those who make them happy
Happier than I ever could
Happier than any man ever could
She is not a bird in a gilded cage
She is a free spirit
And I love that about her
That she can reach heights
Heights I never even dream of
A love way above my understanding
A sacred love that dares to blossom
And makes her whole
Makes her who she needs to be
Herself