My husband

His kiss on the shoreline of my hair is a sacrament.

A moment of sacred meditation that purifies my heart.

I bring my heart to him, like a wounded puppy seeks her boy.

Blindly we find healing in the presence of our love.

I want to bring him beautiful things, sweeter than my bitter thoughts.

He insists on discovering my burdens and adding them to his yoke.

The anxious ghost of my disappearing never haunts him.

He is overrun by the tiny mice of my wants and needs.

He is my Darnay, Darcy, Leopold, “Hey Girl” Guy of my dreams.

I should be his Lucy, Lizzie, Kate, a perfect woman trial-forged.

When I look at myself in the mirror I see a sea of pebbles.

When I look at myself in his eyes I find my precious gems.

I will never fully understand why my God-heir chose this mortal.

But I can worship him with my body and offer ambrosia in Tupperware lunches.

Hold him close

With gentleness you take his hand.
With kindness you enfold him
You fill his eyes with joy and love
As prayerfully you hold him.

And as the evening steals the light
You sing a song to tame the night.
Hold him close, oh God above!
Let him sleep safe in my love!!

With worrying you set him free.
With hoping you let go him.
You stoke his fire and then he’s off;
Your hidden fears don’t slow him.

But when the evening comes again
He’s yours to tend and mother-hen.
Hold him close, but just tonight.
Let him go again at light.

These little hands won’t always cling so tight.
There’ll come a time when he won’t be yours every night.
And he’ll be strong, and he’ll be brave,
He’ll say goodbye with a smile and wave.
My baby boy.
My pride and joy.
Please be alright.