After decades of walking through life’s gardens,

discovering the intoxicating textures and colors

together

driving leisurely on roads newly-discovered,

sharing our lives,

I never want to lose the taste of it--

of intense new flavors,

like being served exotic food

by someone who can’t help but

love you

on a warm, spring day.

The quiet one
who can't
have fun,
she sits
in the corner
like Little Jack Horner--
like the three little kittens--
there is no pie

His eyes sparkle

like new snow on a moon-lit night,

fiery jewels in a now-weathered face.

His warm complex smile draws me in,

well-mixed as it is with a sadness

indistinguishable from the laughter

as much as sweet cream is indistinguishable

from the bitter coffee it flavors.