I have no idea

Cradled in my mothers arms, she whispered it to me. And I sensed it as I was consoled by my father, telling me that the bully’s words didn’t matter. I heard it when Nana reminded me I was important to her.

And it might have pricked a tiny hole in heart as I watched Jill ride by on her bicycle and I wondered what it would be like to talk to her.

Four fab singers told me it was all I needed. I found Solomon’s song and read wide-eyed the tawdry, yet sacred account. The minister spoke of phileo, eros and agape. 

But I had no idea. 


Photo by Lisa

I read the words scrawled in trees and watched it play out from the stage and big screen. It was a simple note on the old piano and a raging symphony all at once. 

In school I read about it, the stuff of poetry and sonnets. Lovers in dangerous times, heroes acted heroically. Heroines swooned. 

But I had no idea. 

Eventually, I would fight for love, kicking at the darkness until it bled daylight*. Leapfrogging suitors, splashing cologne on my tender skin and wooing the maiden. And when I found it, I swore I’d never lose it. 

I smelled the fragrant skin. I touched the hair and watched the smile. A kiss. And then another.  

I waited at the end of the aisle, heard the promise. Holding hands in solemn unity untill death’s parting.  

But I had no idea.  

It’s a sacred thing, not to be tossed around carelessly. Still people use it to shower affection on their cats. And their cars. And their flannel sheets. And worse, fleshly pursuits with no heart twists the word beyond recognition. 

Webster-defined it’s so constrained. Four letters. One syllable. Yet, eternity thunders. 

I had no idea, until I found the Author of the word, and I’m learning …

And I still have no idea.

We are participating in Bonnie Gray’s Faith Jam today, “What’s the One Word that will define your year?” 
* Tip of the hat to Bruce Cockburn, “Lovers in a Dangerous Time“
Also inspiration credit to Chad Bruegmanof Red Rocks Church