Brush the dog tenderly
Create the time
Slowly, gently caress the cat
Doesn't it feel fine?
Stroke her jaw, her chin
Scratch around her ears
Feel her lean into your hands
For she has not words nor tears
Give your weary sweetheart
An attentive foot massage
Invest some time in affection
Praise her new hat or corsage
For a moment, be their reflection
Water your plants
Spritz the leaves, and a little new soil
Take just a minute
It's such an easy yet rewarding toil
Go for a slow walk with your beloved
Taste the evening air
Give her your ear
Visit a reflective place there
Create for her room to ruminate
About her aches and pains
About her ailing Uncle Bob
About her new job
Touch her cheek gently
On your pillow at night
Before your eyes they close
Before dreams so fleeting and light
Say something small, sweet and simple
About you and her and your heart
Not about that invoice or pimple
Or what you both need to dissect apart
For magical, hidden roots are growing!
Or languishing as they will
Simple, daily things nurture them
Not a one-time magic bullet or pill
Marlowe once said,
"Talk not of wasted affection!
Affection never was wasted!"
Water the hungry hearts around you
And the juiciness of life
Will be the sweetest you've ever tasted