Can you love a woman
from surface to soul?
look past the weave 
down to the afro-sheen 
gleem of her dark skin
Or maybe 
take a trip downtown
past her round lips 
and the curves in her hips
down to her center
where all life began
meaning woman 
and man
Can you love a woman
from surface to soul?
Understand her completely
even when sometimes
that means 
listening
with both ears
hypersensitive
from hearing
it all before
and both eyes
bloodshot 
from all night talks
about things 
that matter more to her 
that they do you
Can you love a woman 
because she is a good woman
where it matters most
and stand beside her
cheer for her
when she tries
be there for her
when she cries
even forgive her
when she lies?
Can you help mold her
without controlling her
argue without scolding her
give whole to her
without holding from her
Can you love a woman 
from surface to soul?