I want a dowry

I want a dowry

I want a dowry—

filled with your childhood toys,

tiny clothes folded with years,

and memories still warm with innocence.

I want to know you

from the very beginning.

Bring with you,

locked inside your little box of adornments,

your gold-like glow,

your silver-like smile,

your diamond-like strength.

Bring many little boxes too—

each carrying

your foolish moments,

your flaws,

your mischief,

your fearless honesty,

your wild, untamed spirit.

And bring one very large trunk

overflowing with your happiness.

But beside it,

bring that old forgotten chest too—

the one where you have hidden

your sorrows,

your dreams,

your fears,

and every secret you never spoke aloud.

From now on,

all of them

will belong to me too.