Edited.
My girlfriend has had trouble sleeping
For as long as she can remember.
None of us willing to worship the
Consumer's deity that Valentine's day
Has become, we dressed for February
And lit a bonfire behind the barn.
She prepared gourmet hotdogs,
I provided beer, homemade wine
And carried firewood. She turned to
Me, eyes narrowing as the wind
Turned, and smoke caressed her
Fire-warm face.
This is the best Valentine's ever.*
Her face all smile.
All smile and embers.
Now, back in the house,
Her breathing and barely audible
Snores from the bedroom are pure
Music. Sometimes fresh air and
Fire is all
It takes to find silence
Enough
To
Rest.