Love in the times gone by
In advanced age, we believed
love could be conjured by
potions and other objects
We thought quick remedies
best kindle a fading flame
but found fears instead
Through an innocent whim
we purchased the ultimate gifts
of affection ever created
The discreet retailer filled the order
printed address labels but attached
them to the wrong shipping boxes
After a dinner to set the mood
we were eager to open and embark
on an evening to remember
Imagine our surprise that night
our faces mirrored back to us
centered in an antique frame
Received someone else’s order
kept it none-the-less, a reminder
that our love — not objects — made the difference
Rough cut
the quality of a diamond
to capture the sunlight
keep the impure inside
to sparkle with delight
beauty on display
but rough diamonds
do not impress
while sleeping on the ground
this day we had a discussion
or what looked like an argument
to others in the room
they don’t know how we relate
we are not tuned to the same note
you don’t vibrate in perfect harmony
when I am plucked
this contention I treasure
together we have a skill
to travel to the ends of the earth
in opposite yet equal directions
yet arrive at the safe port
in the same calm harbor
the raw diamond is cut
split to create the brilliance
it’s a skill without which
one gets only crumbs of carbon
so, our relationship taken
two rough diamonds and
made them precious
Small candy hearts
We (boys) started small.
In grade school, objects of love
were small candy hearts
stuck inside an envelope
with a Valentine's Day card.
By high school, objects of love
were flowers picked by
the florist, since most boys
did not grow up around blooms.
In adult life, objects of love
were expensive — sometimes jewelry —
ex-wives took away months
of paychecks in a suitcase.
Which is a lesson in love objects.
Many objects for many loves
more lovers, more objects.
It gets expensive.
We should have stuck to small candy hearts.
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