Groundwork

You and I keep laying groundwork
For good things to come
We can discuss potentials
And plan for them as though they'll happen
We're some of the only ones crazy enough
To consider this realistic
And to truly understand that
Nothing is ever a guarantee

We find comfort in looking at worst case
Then coming up with ways to work around each scenario
Because we believe one can never be too prepared
Overthinking is a tendency we share
But then when the unexpected happens
We discuss methods to prevent future repeats
We share with each other all we've learned
And then try our best to apply it

We listen to explanations that the other has to offer
No pressure or time limits are ever imposed
The exclusive focus is not to get our point across
Rather it's how the other person interprets it all
We attentively observe to provide clarity where needed
And give reassurance when we feel the other could use it
We have the mutual goal of just wanting to fix what broke
Because nothing seems worse than leaving conflict unresolved

When emotion is intense on one person's end
The other picks up on it and falls into that same place
And it gets hard and overwhelming sometimes
When you can see the other side of things so well
It can be especially difficult when
Having such strong effect was never intended
And when you know you can't say or do a thing
Because nothing will make the situation right

But the thing that makes it better is expressing
And having an environment free of expectation
To be able to openly communicate every thought and feeling
No matter how hard it might be for the other to take
Because what more can you do in those situations
Then to release everything going on inside
Gotta let it go to move forward
And that's exactly what we do

And no I'm not secure in all of our foundations
But I love how I can tell you that safely
And instead of trying to comfort me with reassuring words
You tell me that it's okay and that you get it
And I believe you because you say it without offense
Your tone exudes warmth and genuine understanding
It's probably because you're almost as guarded as I am
And you know how easy it is for people to screw you over

Maybe if we didn't listen as well as we talk
I'd be a little more hesitant to continue this walk
But I'm feeling like this ground is something I can work with
Because I believe it will get more stable in time
And I'm happy that we're building something to treasure
Exchanging precious gifts of meaningful interaction
Authenticity a core element of this experience
Superficial connections could never measure up

That's why even during times I fall down
I know I won't be on the ground too long
It's true that I might lay there a while unable to move
But you'll be there to help lift me to my feet if I'm in need
And I'll do the same for you without question
When you can't find your way to stability I'll hold you up
And I'll keep hope alive when you feel it dying
Things we tend to do for each other
Because when you and I work together
We build ground that works