I want to kiss you when
the moon is high.
When the silver light reflects
the radiance of your soul.

But tonight the clouds obscure its splendor.
the gray blanket wraps around us,
as the comfort in the other
shines brightly for no eye to see.

I want to kiss you when
the windswept trees overhead
dapple your olive skin in golden hues
while the shadows dress your face in mystery.

But today we hold each other
in the comfort of our home
where the light is constant and
the wind cannot interrupt our reverie.

I want to kiss you when
the summer sun glistens on still water.
Our boat in the middle of a quiet lake
gently rocking our lips together.

But the water burbles
from the sink as we prepare our
nourishment for the busy week ahead.

Through the years,
I have imagined the perfect kiss.
One we can proudly display on the
shelf of our cherished memories.
So precious we could never let it go.

But I forgot
that every kiss is a word
in a story as long as our lives.

I forgot that every kiss is the nourishment
essential to the flower of our love.
One ephemeral drop will not sustain
the flower as it blooms
through the years.

But each day
brings with it
a chance to tend to our love.

Each day the flower can grow quietly as we
dance together with the sun and moon.

Until, one day...
you will see it in your periphery...
surprised by the rare beauty
of a petal unfurled.