The Perfect Partner

By Clyde E. Gumbs

I’ve always sought the perfect partner

At least that’s what I’ve always said

Is that really what I’ve searched for

Or merely noise within my head

I’m told there is a lover

That’s intended just for me

A perfect soul mate in this lifetime

They say that is my destiny

But then why is it I’ve suffered

Failed and failed time and again

Why am I always disillusioned

Why always failure in the end

I’ve always pick what I most wanted

Would make me happy I would say

The attraction so compelling

My ego satisfied that way

But always something would be missing

Always there would be something wrong

Trapped in a sea of endless judgment

Places where I did not belong

What was the point of validation

Relationships consumed in need

No person really met the standards

I hoped the next one would succeed

But perhaps I’ve missed the point

Perhaps there’s really nothing wrong

Perhaps I’m merely looking at things backwards

Have missed the lesson all along

Perhaps I do not need a trophy

Perhaps no one to make me whole

Perhaps it’s not about my needs

Perhaps that’s not the perfect role

Perhaps this life is not about me

But merely what I am about

Not what I like, feel, want, and need to have

But what inspires me, no doubt

Perhaps it is very, very simple

To see the one that it could be                  

Common values and desires

Common purpose, common destiny

Could there be the perfect partner

Not partnered in our destiny

Could there be the perfect partner

That could not see what I can see

Could there be the perfect partner

With values that did not agree

Could there be the perfect partner

Lacking the purpose that embodies me

Could there be the perfect partner

Without abundance of desire

A desire so compelling

It could set the world on fire

I surrender resignation

No issues left confusing me

Nothing else to be considered

The perfect partner it must be