compromises

I have made compromises so that I will remain in my relationship and in love. I have given up something of myself. I am diminished and enriched in equal measures. All those aspects of myself that you do not approve of are shrouded and packed away, the nostalgic smell of naphthalene, all my childish dreams subsumed in you. And in exchange you have illuminated the facets of me that you like and Here I am, suddenly presentable because of you. I also have your body to replace the smell of turpentine and linseed oil. I have the sculptural representation of all that is good about flesh. I touch it and there is nothing to add. It is a work of art completed. I am removed from the process. I am a collector of you.