TERMS OF ENDEARMENT
Long-time marriage is poetry
of dimly remembered joys.
Mates are like slender saplings
that long for the sunshine
of kindness and the patience
on endless droplets of a river
that never stops flowing.
With a space between us
measured in fingertips—flowers
wonder how close we can be.
It’s a loyal bond that prevents
Napoleonic eruptions.
Words that only speak the truth
keeps hummingbirds humming
and venomous snakes at bay.
Watch what you say.
Words can kill.