Something Low Key
Dating at 51 after a marriage ends
When we met
It was all still very raw.
I was still very raw.
(perhaps I still am?)
I had started making plans
coffee and breakfast dates
something low key
where I could exercise my charm muscles
and see if I still had humor beyond dad jokes
but where I wouldn't have to end up naked.
(figuratively and literally)
Fifty-one year old gay men can do that, I hear.
(have a date and remain clothed)
So it was no surprise when you invited me to your place
after the very first date
but maybe a surprise
that I opted out.
Fifty-one year old gay men can do that, too, I hear.
(surprise people)
Still, it was only a week later that I returned,
another breakfast date
another invitation
and, this time,
I decided to go home with you.
And even though it was a bit awkward
And even though I was a bit scared
And even though I worried about what was happening,
You smiled,
and wrapped me in your warmth,
and welcomed me in.
And now it's been several months of breakfast dates
and going home with you
and while I'm trying hard not to make too much
of the comfort we seem to have
and the ways you make me feel,
I'm also quite sure
(at least in this moment)
that this is exactly what I was hoping to find.
About the Creator
F Cade Swanson
Queer dad from Virginia now living and writing in the Pacific Northwest. Dad poems, sad poems, stories about life. Follow me on insta at @fcadeswanson
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Comments (16)
I love this! I'm bisexual and was with a woman for 20+ years. I came home one night in 2019 and found her dead in her bed. Two months later I went on what I thought was a hookup and fell in love at first sight (pretty much. The first time I saw him smile.) I was 59. He's 27 years younger than me. Who knew such things happened to old guys? Awesome poem, Sir. ⚡💙⚡
This was heartwarming!
I was fascinated by your art 😍💕😊
Love the vulnerability here. Congrats on the well-deserved Top Story!
Lovely honesty in your words, I'm sure you've found your luck. I hope someday I'll meet the same kind of guy who will invite me over and show so much care and tenderness, but I'm no longer 51...
Did y'all get nekkid lol jk I like your intense honesty here
Beautiful story of the cautious exploration of new emotions 😍 I might be projecting, but I interpret cautious optimism and the lingering fear of being hurt again. Let me say just how deep that is for me :) Thank you for sharing this lovely poem with us and congrats on your well deserved Top Story!
Wow. Great poem. A Beautiful sketch of a romance with a voice and tone that reflects something real.
Your story is a heartfelt and beautifully honest exploration of vulnerability, connection, and the journey of finding comfort and love. The rawness and authenticity of your emotions shine through each line, making it deeply relatable and touching. The way you describe the initial hesitations, and the gradual building of trust and warmth is both tender and poignant. The imagery of breakfast dates and the simplicity of shared moments create a vivid picture of the evolving relationship. Your use of humor and self-reflection adds a layer of depth and relatability, making the reader feel connected to your experience. The poem's progression from uncertainty to a sense of fulfillment and hope is beautifully captured, leaving the reader with a sense of warmth and optimism. It's a wonderful reminder of the beauty of human connection and the courage it takes to open up and find love. Thank you for sharing such a moving and personal piece. It resonates deeply and offers a glimpse into the complexities of love and relationships.
As a middle aged adult this piece really resonated with me. I like the way you imbued the progression of your feelings.
This is an amazing piece. I love the reality imbedded hesitancy, vulnerability, growth, warmth, and confidence in all the lines you've written. Well done. Congratulations, too, on a much deserving Top Story.
I think if my marriage ends, at 51, I'd be done with relationships so I commend you for stepping out there again and dipping your toe, because it can't be easy. I, like John, felt the honesty of this.
SWEET!! I love it and wish you the best in the venture❣️❤️
The honesty in your writing is very powerful, Cade, it helped me feel the warmth of the connection that your words evoked.
Starting afresh is never easy. I married at 49 after being single for over a decade. It lasted about twenty years, but now at 70...that desire has long since been squelched. I truly hope it works out for you.
Nice job! 😊