Poetry: Opposites Do Attract Quite Well

When I am climbing up, you are stepping down.
When I wear a smile, you wear a frown.
When I am very happy, you are feeling sad.
When I am doing well, you are faring bad.

When I am awfully hot, you are terribly cold.
When I am rather shy, you are extremely bold.
When I am sweet and nice, you are tough and mean.
When I am upset, you are serene.

When I am at peace, you are at war.
When I stand against, you stand for.
When I use a comb, you use a brush.
When I am being slow, you are in a rush.

When I need silence, you need to talk.
When I want to jog, you want to walk.
When I decide to draw, you decide to write.
When I desire darkness, you desire light.

When I say, "let's sing," you say, "let's pray."
When I say, "let's go," you say, "let's stay."
When I yearn to go by ship, you prefer to go by plane.
When I wish to take the bus, you would rather take the train.

When I choose the color purple, you select the color blue.
When I get tonsillitis, you contract the flu.
When I want to dance, you elect to sit.
When I'm ready to begin, you're prepared to quit.

When I want a sandwich, you desire a full meal.
When I hunger for grits, you are craving oatmeal.
When I studied Greece, you delved into Rome.
When I read of St. Francis, you were reading St. Jerome.

When I vote Democrats, you vote Republicans.
When I joined the Methodists, you joined the Lutherans.
Nevertheless, I love you, and I know that you love me.
Opposites do attract quite well, would you not agree?

For when I need someone to listen, you are always there.
When you are hurting deeply, I show you that I care.
When I need your strong support, you are always by my side.
When you need my loving tenderness, I never fail to provide.

When I achieve a goal, you bask in my success.
When you expect me to say "no," I surprise you and say "yes."
When I slip into depression, you lift my spirits high.
When you think you may need help, I am always on standby.

When you wake up in the morning, I am there with a warm kiss.
When I lay down at night, you rouse me to loving bliss.
When I need to feel protected, you are my guard and shield.
When you're in bed recovering, I don't leave until you're healed.

When I am home alone, you call to check on me.
When we've done each other wrong, we accept your apology.
I love you so my darling and I know that you can see.
That opposites do attract quite well, especially you and me.

Rev. Saundra L. Washington