There are probably bigger fans of Elizabeth Day out there… I mean, it’s quite a big world. But I still think I could, fairly reasonably, claim one of the top spots. I love her books. I love her podcasts (Do you know how many sentences I start with, “I was listening to this episode of How To Fail…”). I love her newsletters. I love her Instagram. Which is where, to my absolute delight, I discovered a poem she had written, and read, at one of her friend’s weddings. What a gift!
I know, given this introduction, that it’s pretty obvious that I love it. But I would also like to point out that Marian Keyes commented on the post, calling Elizabeth an “UTTER GENIUS” (capitalisation her own).
The thing I love most about it is the acknowledgement of the journey we go on – the past loves that, in their own ways, lead us to the partner we choose to marry, and how things we learn on this winding path inform the way we love.
Love is not a grenade
I used to think love was a grenade
Pin out, lobbed at my heart
The scars won’t fade
And I was told they were art.
I used to think love was pain
Because excitement felt the same.
But when I met you, the crook of your arm
Was safe.
And when I rested there
It was not harm, I sensed.
It was home.
Your love grows its heat from the inside out.
Like a slow-burning bonfire
That casts its soft glow about
With generous intent,
Because the thing you said was not a lie
It was what you meant.
With you, love is hot buttered toast
And the Sunday roast
The unmade bed
The dog needing to be fed
It is pennies in drawers
And cracks in floors.
Shoes by the door
(even though I’ve told you before).
Coats on hooks
Spine-cracked books.
Road trips and song
The everyday business of getting along.
Love is not roses or sunsets or champagne –
Although that’s nice, it’s not the necessary
Refrain.
Love is in the little moments –
Words strung together
To make a story of forever
Written in the imperfect perfect tense.
Because now I realise that mess
Makes me love you the opposite of less.
And so, my love, I thank you
For making me understand
That love is not a grenade.
Love is holding my hand.
By Elizabeth Day
Photo by The Keepers Media
Image from a beautiful styled shoot at Karkloof Safari Spa
Her outfit: @hareandmanuela
Models: @acemodels_midlands @mobile_model_management
Jewelry: @kellyjayjewellery
Hair: @hair_by_nikiki_
Makeup: @chantellevanwyk_aesthetics
Vision and coordination: @kirstenvale_weddings