Old Love

Old Love

By Keith Kareem Williams

(Inspired by something I overheard once.)

The Plot: An elderly man calls his love on the phone the morning of Valentine’s Day.

“Good morning pumpkin. You up? [pause] I tried to send you a text but I can’t work this damn phone so I just called even though it’s early. [pause] Happy Valentine’s Day. [pause] Of course. [pause] Call out sick from work. Tell them your pressure is high and you need to stay in bed. [pause] So, tell ‘em your sugar is high. [pause] Say it’s your hip then. [pause] Woman, just tell them you need a day off. [pause] You never use your sick days. They owe you and you deserve one. At least this one… especially today. [pause] Of course. [pause] Why is that just a young girl thing? [pause] You’ll always be my youngin’. [pause] Stay in bed and wait for me. I have my key so I’ll just let myself in. [pause] No, I don’t want you to. Today, I’ll make you something when I get there. [pause] The way you like it, with the strawberries and the cinnamon. [pause] I know you do. My memory ain’t what it used to be but I pay attention. [pause] I like the sound of that. [pause] In that case, I’m takin’ two of my pills. [pause] I hope not but, I can’t think of a better way to go. [pause] You can still do that? [pause] You know exactly what I like. I’m on my way right now! [pause] Before I go, I need to say something. [pause] No, it’s not anything bad. [pause] Just wanted to say that I love you. I’ve always loved you. I’ve loved you since we were kids. [pause] Always. Even when we were apart. [pause] I’m glad that we found our way back. [pause] I know. [pause] From now until HE calls me home. [pause] See you in a bit.”

Love Her

Love Her

By Keith Kareem Williams

People make loving each other so complicated when it really isn’t. It is a simple thing that we destroy by over-thinking, over-planning and over-playing as if it’s a game to be won. You can’t win love. You can only have it. I believe this with my entire being and dare anyone to debate the truth in this. If you play games well enough to win someone’s heart, love and affections, it’s only a matter of time before a better player comes along and wins that person away from you.

There are different levels of love. There is the level of having love for someone which is just a charming way of saying that you care for a person’s well-being and happiness. This is where it can get confusing. I myself, maybe more than some, know that sometimes it would be safer to just say, “I care for you,” instead of “I love you.” That would prevent a lot of conflict involving unpredictable expectations and dangerous assumptions.

To be in love is a beautiful thing, something that having love for someone could never compare to. Once you find yourself fortunate enough to be in the right situation, with the right person, at the right time, you have to do the right thing, the right way. If you love her, you should give her everything she deserves; a list that varies, depending on the woman but one that should include more than just money or material things. If you basically paid for her love, you’ll eventually get bored and want to buy something new. Either that or someone will come along willing to pay a higher price. I’ve always felt that you should build with your woman. You should make her better and she should do the same for you. Your woman should never have to wonder about her place in your life. That doesn’t mean you have to plaster her face everywhere online. (Gestures like that always feel forced and fake anyway...unless you’re sixteen. LOL) The things that you keep private are often more sacred than what you shine phony bright lights on to be scrutinized.

However, just because you don’t share your intimate business with the world doesn’t mean that you don’t honor her. Make sure that every other woman that is NOT her knows their place and understands that they are absolutely NOT on equal ground with the woman you love. They have to respect that space or it’s best you get them far away from you before they try to harm your harmony. Respect your woman. Love your woman. Make sure that in every way she understands how important she is to you and everything you do.

Who knows what the future holds? It is true that everything isn’t meant to last forever but, as real as that may be, never let anything or anyone outside of your relationship be the reason it ends or gets all fucked up. Love her the right way until the day comes that it doesn’t feel right to be together, if that day ever comes. Everything isn’t perfect and everything ain’t always sweet but at the end of the song, when the music stops playing, it should be memorable and unforgettable. Leave marks on her heart like tattoos that only she will ever see. Flings are fleeting but when it’s real, try to do it right. Love her the best way that you know how. Love her and keep her safe in a world that is an unpleasant place.

***This isn’t advice or counseling for anyone…just a few things that I remind myself.***