Choices

I turned eighty this year, something of a surprise. But I bring good news for those heading in that direction: It's every bit as much fun falling in love at eighty as it was at seventeen.

                        Choices

Morning is when I love you most, I think…
When my eyes first open and thoughts of you bring warmth.
I pull you close…to savor the bed-warm caress of skin-on-skin.
What could improve on that?

But at noon there’s laughter in your eyes that pleases, as we share repast.
Stolen kisses, and hands in glancing touch punctuate conversation.
The taste of mustard and kisses intermingle.
Could I improve on that? 

Afternoon walks with a hand on my arm, your voice caressing.
Incidental affection, shared, brightens the day.
Unexpected adventures, and familiar sights.
Could anything improve on that?

Evening and conversation, storytelling, and kisses.
Precious time, sharing comfort and cuddling.
A day closes. Memory records. Bedtime beckons.
Who could improve on that?

Who would want to?

Reviews

[Eve]

When I read this poem, I felt like I was looking through a couple's life together in flashes. The last sentence, "Who would want to?" ties it together, like the man is looking at his wife for the last time after spending his whole life together and smiling. It paints a beautiful scene. Well done.

[Crowley]

That is the question....what a great look at what relationships and love should be. You tell it in a fascinating arc that folds you in and is immediately emotionally identifiable. Great writing, I loved it!!!

[Gee]

Indeed, who would want to. True love, contentment, can relate fully to this.

[hiding]

I adored this greatly. Please post more. A day closes. Memory records. Bedtime beckons.
It's great, and those are my only words.

[Vicky]

Well, that's just sweet :)

[bigfootprint]

Quite inspiring. You found a delightful way to quantify the most precious of human emotion. Simple imagery mixed on a clock-faced palette provides good hues (mostly pink) for simple but poignant universal imagery -- however idealized. The repetition of similar lines deepens the intensity and tugs the narrative along. Most of us only imagine so many loving moments in a single day -- but it makes for good drama. You prove once again that reality is much less animated than fiction. You get the job done with soaked sheets to spare. Good writing.

[H.W.]

I cann't imagine you would be too terribly annoyed with the 48th person to tell you that your poem is beautiful. It is, extraordinarily so.

[Melissa]

This poem is very sweet and reminds me of my own favorite moments in my relationship. A very nice read.

[thisisnotpoetry]

i was moved by your poem . well done