Without you

Who would I be without you?
Impossible to know
Impossible to imagine
You are as much a part of me as I am

Since we met decades ago
My every thought has been flavoured by you
From our first meeting you changed my world
changed what it was and what it could be

You always challenged me, made me question myself
never accepted less than you deserved
I used to sit with you as you smoked
even though there was nothing in the world I hated more

Than smoking I mean, not sitting with you
That was the best. I remember Thelma, "just keep going"
Sitting and lunching while hairdressers giggled at us.
Long moments on sunny afternoons

If it wasn't for you, I'd probably still be listening to meatloaf
So much of what I know is yours. So much of what I love
Mixed tapes of metal and grunge, and something prog
that took a long time to like, but it opened my mind

But more than that you gave me dreams to chase
cities and countries and adventures to feel
friends of different creeds, colours and ideas
you tore down my prejudices and challenged my beliefs

On our love we built a family, you, me and our two
you fought for us every step of the way
found and built a tribe of people that enrich our lives
every day, and in every way, you surrounded us with love.

I don't think I've ever deserved you
Not on that first day when I borrowed a book
Not on the day you said yes in the sand
Not on the days you cried while I went walking

So I'm grateful to you, for putting up with me.
Who would I be without you?
That's easy.
Not me.