You know something my love.
I never realized how much
I was in love with you.
It wasn’t roses moonlight or
diamond rings.

It was the vision you painted in my mind
of an old house
with a neat white fence.
You with your shirt off.
Digging the flower beds.

I was watching from the window
Wearing an apron with a
Beware of the cook
she bites logo
baking cookies>

I saw you playing soccer with our
yet to born three kids
so reassuring to them
even when they were hopeless at it.

In your paintings I saw you leaving for work
On cold winters mornings tired
from one of the children crying all night.
But stopping to kiss me and whisper
Have a good day love.

Of you falling asleep
on the sofa after dinner
A cute puppy sat between us.

Even after decades I could see you
holding my hand with its age spots
As we strolled slowly in the park.
Breathing the rich fragrance
of the red autumn leaves.

Then falling asleep in our bed
My head on your chest as always.
As your hand held my hair from my eyes.

I  did not need money and diamonds my love.
You got me with your artwork.
Painting in my heart
a canvas so rich and warm
Of a beautiful life yet to be lived.
With a value beyond all worldly wealth.