DECEMBER 26, 2025 POETRY A Love Worth Becoming MONIQUE CALDWELL Groundcover contributor Choose Love I see hate I answer with love When they divide, I unite When they quit, I believe When they hoard, I share I’m like this Not better Just human I feel cold I get hungry I sweat I break That’s how you know I’m real We did not begin in youth, but in the quiet strength of adulthood, where friendship steadied us, and trust became the soil of something rare. Love revealed itself gently— not rushed, not careless— but tender, deliberate, a flame worth tending, a devotion worth showing up for. With you, I have seen sides no one else has ever touched: the softness behind your strength, the gentleness that steadies my storms, the courage to be vulnerable and let me see you fully. In those moments I became more— a better version of myself, believing in my worth again, learning that love restores what doubt and others once tried to take away. Each year, we learn more, not through grand gestures, but through quiet acts of care— listening, protecting, nurturing. Friendship remains our foundation, yet our love has grown taller, made strong enough to stand against trials, resilient enough to bloom again. What we share is rare: a bond that trusts, a love that endures, a companionship that reveals the hidden corners of our souls. And when I look at you now, I see not only the one I love, but the one who shows me that great love grows deeper with each year. I follow rules while others break them freely They drink, fight, curse, steal, smoke everything, everywhere I don’t I don’t drink I don’t fight Weed is my medicine legal in places you call civilized. So why am I the problem? Why am I pushed outside Into the cold, the dark, the gutter? What is it about me that bothers you? Is it my joy? My health? My freedom? The fact that I shine and stay humble? I’m not a saint I know my flaws I face them I look different because I am I sound funny but I speak truth I think I reason I’m not the same But I’m not an alien My blood is red If you hurt me, I bleed I want no revenge I can only pray I ask for basics: shelter, food, work, love A home A family Dreams For me For us I want safety I want to belong It’s hard enough being alone Why make it cruel? Why rules only for me? Why push me into danger? I’m clean Quiet Harmless So why test me? Why try to break me? I’m not here to take Not here to hate I’m here to give To grow To open doors To show another way This is my calling My purpose My will is strong I spread my vibe And I know what I’m doing No race No religion No flag I’m a cosmonaut Like all of us Riding the same fragile wonderful world. What makes anyone think they’re above another? That belief— that’s the real violence The threat you expect from me lives inside you PEDRO CAMPOS Groundcover vendor No. 652 GROUNDCOVER NEWS 15
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