You and I wandered thoughtfully
shrinking in the colossal spaces
then bumping our way through,
each crowded hallway.
Amidst, Monet's lilies, Degas's ballerinas,
even Van Gogh's *****
And all the while, there you were—
a wonder of unimaginable grace yourself.

with smooth hands—soft skin
rich, lively hues reflecting off curls,
fabric draping and shining, so naturally
and the most brilliant, bright eyes
a masterpiece more resplendent,
than the finest portrait ever could be

Leaving the still life behind, we exit
yet, my eyes continued working en plein air,
each time I glanced your way.
My living muse and forever beauty,
imprinted on my heart, always.

all the love — of all the world
is mine
my angel has brought unto me,
a Little Heaven
and each time I catch her eyes looking,
it reminds me—
the enormity of her tenderness,
an interior softness
she lays bare, so that I might be freer
and our love,
might always be so, in fullness of joy

Rising early, I slip into a crimson sweater,
pull on my lover's shoes and step out; Amidst,
the beating and bleeding red hearts and bright eyes
that move against a soft backdrop of dusty snow,
and then into warmer spaces, into homes.
I have none but you, my place of peace
adorned by our romance, our doting of,
Valentine frills, flowers, and fidelity:
I'm your girl.
And always shall I be,
a bearer of joy to thee.

our cottage in Ireland,
will have a little vegetable garden
a miniature paradise for you

I'll tend to her, pull out all the weeds
courgettes, spinach, and strawberries,
will be just the beginning
I'll plant potatoes, tomatoes, snap peas, herbs
and right in the middle,
I'll plant an apple tree for you

and you can eat love
you can have your fill

perhaps St. Patrick banished the serpent,
or (more likely) they never roamed the emerald isle
either way, we need not fear the snakes

there's no need for repenting, no need for penance
you can make a home in my heart,
and together we'll find our place in creation
for you'll always be safe in my garden

wind whipped in Chicago I told you how I probably broke my hand way back in high school
didn't do anything about it so it didn't heal right
on bad days it goes all numb and tingly
most of the time it's fine though

you didn't think that was really okay, said I should talk to a doctor about it
you always made taking care of myself seem so reasonable,
so easy

you slipped into my life and I was hopeless
knew right away that I never wanted to let you go
so I'll hold onto you with my aching wrist
as you handle me gently
and I love you in every soft way I know