Understanding
is being sensitive to your feelings
and receptive to your needs —
no greater pleasure can be gained
from unselfishly giving,
often confused with conspicuous
good deeds.

An inward longing to satisfy
sometimes silent and still,
appears that I have forgotten
that you are a person
with needs and feelings
which are individual and real.

Sometimes
I lose sight
of what is important,
ever requesting and demanding —
please forgive me,
for I have not yet discovered
the true meaning of understanding.

Promises of perfection
are nonexistent
and serve as no alibi,
but as humanly possible, mutual respect
and understanding are my goals,
and on this promise you can rely.