11.05.09 (AKA The Complement) - A Poem...

I’m looking for someone, perhaps you can help me find her
I’m looking for someone who stands out, who won’t serve as a reminder
Of the painful past experiences, of the disappointing instances,
For someone who is unique in even her most “everyday” of appearances
If you think you fit the profile then, you are encouraged to apply
But understand that my demands, only The Complement can supply

I’m looking for a lady, not a damsel in distress
I’m looking for someone who understands that I just might be a mess
Or, perhaps a better way to put it is, I’m a work in progress
But ideally, she’ll understand that I use every day to get better
She’ll understand that we’re a team that has to grow together
She’ll understand that I’m complex, yet won’t hold that against me,
Because I’ll understand she’s just as human, and perhaps it’s our destiny
To set a tone that she and I must do together, that can’t be set while we’re alone
When I’ve conquered the World or something like it, I want The Complement next to me
On her throne

Don’t misunderstand my intentions: indeed, I have big and very bold aspirations
And as such, I ask that “someone” to have some kind of formal education
Not so she can stand idly by as I “do my thing,”
But so we can take down every challenge and wall, brick by brick, as a team
I’m looking for someone who’s a “playmaker,” who rises to the occasion
Who may be scared of what the future may hold, but is unshaken by that sensation
I’m looking for someone who can read the defense well and confidently catch my passes
And it couldn’t hurt at all, if This Complement just so happens to wear glasses
(Because those are sexy on a woman…)

I’m looking for someone who knows how to wear a dress,
To carry herself professionally, yet doesn’t mind kicking it in sweats
When it’s a lazy Saturday afternoon and the college football games are playing
(and here a UT Alum would be preferred. I’m not saying, I’m just saying…)
I’m looking for someone who’s seeking out strongly spiritual fruit
And she doesn’t have to have it “all in her basket”; shoot, I’d rather be right there picking it with you
We can grow closer to that Higher Power and in turn, better serve one another
As much as partners, friends, students, as we do as fighters and lovers
And as passionate as I expect she’ll be, I’m sure the arguments (like the sex) will rival thunderstorms
Booming crashes throughout the night (or day) that leave the air around us charged and warm
But our disagreeances won’t cause great grievances; no, we’ll endure them and move on
Because The Complement and I will just debate… and sometimes, I’ll let her think she’s won
(When really I’ve conceded… or JUST this once, I’ll admit it, I’ve actually been beaten)

I’m looking for someone that, perhaps, you can help me find
And if you think you fit the bill, you’re more than welcome to apply
She has dark eyes and a smile whose dimples are immaculately placed
So that seeing her happy is the best thing ever, because her grin lights up her face
And she’s strong, physically and mentally, because past battles have made her so
She’s seen dark times in her life, but survived through each, so she has an afterglow
She is meticulous, and curious, outspoken but very introspective
She has learned through her experiences to keep her Company quite selective
She is intelligent yet grounded, she loves who she is in every definition
And while at times she’s insecure about herself, The Complement maintains a fierce intuition

I’m looking for a “star player,” someone willing to step into the spotlight
Yet she shouldn’t be condescending or judge others by their faults and plights
Indeed, I seek out someone understanding of varying points of view
No, she may not agree with them; but respect them, she absolutely must do
I’m looking for someone, as Morrison once wrote, who will be a “friend of my mind”
Who will “gather the pieces of me” when I might be broken, and set them back in line
And remind me when I’m misguidedly outspoken, that certain battles just aren’t mine
She should know Lenny Williams, the Isley Brothers, and all things Sade, Maxwell, and Badu
Certainly it’s not a requirement, but at least be familiar with Love Jones and “In a Sentimental Mood”
(Though if you aren’t, don’t worry, I’ll absolutely educate you…)

I’ve listed all my wants, and hence it’s only fair to tell what I intend to reciprocate
For the someone who just might be my Complementary mate
Historically speaking, I’ve often fallen short, often made costly mistakes
I’ll do what I can to avoid such bad choices with her, unless it’s already written by fate
And though some call me a leader, I admit I’m a bundle of contradictions:
I’m well spoken in public engagements, but intimately, I stumble in my diction
I write eloquently, intelligently, perhaps a bit too much,
And admittedly, I’m awkward when it comes to the simplest kind of touch
There may be more, as well, that I’ll reserve for when it’s just me and her
I won’t say that it’s all bad, but certainly, I’m afraid some might think the worst
But I expect My Complement will take me as I am, with neither judgment nor pity
And serve, to my past and possibly future, as a very present remedy

I’m looking for someone, perhaps you know where she might be
All interested parties are encouraged to submit an inquiry
I’m looking for The Complement to the things I aspire to do,
And when we’re at our strongest, nothing could ever stop me and you
But if we’re at our weakest, we’ll know each is right there for the other to cling to
I personally promise not to let my busy-ness interfere with our business
You must understand we’re a franchise, a partnership, and I'm in it to win this
So I need you in my corner as more than just my cheerleader or my witness
I promise to respect your feelings, honor your body, and caress your soul
For the duration that we’re in it, whether that’s two months or until we grow old
I promise to be the ear and the shoulder whether you need to cry or vent
I promise all this and more... IF you are The Complement

- Bradford J. Howard