Reflections

A poem that looks at the beautiful essence of love as a shared journey that lights up and uplifts everyone involved.

The longer I live, the more deeply I learn that love—whether we call it friendship or family or romance—is the work of mirroring and magnifying each other's light.—James Baldwin

I find that love,  
in all its forms
(my friends' laughter,  
my family’s love,  
romantic sparks)
is a dance of reflections.  

We hold each other up,  
mirrors, polished bright,  
each moment shared,  
a chance to shine a little clearer,  
to lift shadows that linger  
in our hearts’ corners.  

In companionship’s soft glow,  
we reveal a beauty within,  
each smile, 
a gentle prod,  
each touch, 
a reminder  
that we are seen,  
that our light matters,  
and grows brighter 
together.  

So we gather,  
hands outstretched,  
magnifying joy,  
transforming the mundane  
into moments of magic,  
finding strength in vulnerability,  
and courage in connection.  

In acceptance,  
we discover an important truth:  
love is not just a feeling,  
but the art of reflecting,
amplifying the light  
that resides in each of us.

Author’s Note

This poem was inspired by the quote from James Baldwin that touched me deeply. Baldwin speaks about how love is an ongoing effort where people reflect and strengthen each other’s light. I wanted to show that love—whether with friends, family, or partners—is something we create together through small acts of care and understanding.

Love isn’t always loud or obvious. It’s often in the everyday moments where we support and see one another. “Reflections” is a reminder that love takes work, but that work is also a gift. When we hold each other up, we find strength not just in ourselves, but in the connection we create. It’s a simple truth that can change how we understand our relationships and how we live with each other.

Upcoming…

• A dark retelling of three nursery rhymes in poetry and prose:

  Nursery Rhyme Riffs (Part 2), 7 March 2026

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