You said we could refinance the house and
lower our monthly. I was skeptical. No way
will they lower our rate. Turns out, happens
all the time.
You said we needed new kitchen appliances
and I gasped. How can we afford it? Now
we have the cheerful ring of the timer, the
smell of oven soft bread. One wonders why
we waited so long.
You said we ought to get a dog or maybe
some chickens. I sneezed into my hankie.
Allergies! And now I can’t imagine life
without my poop-rolling little buddy. And
those clucking birds are certainly
entertaining.
You said we ought to have a child.
This was in Yosemite, before we were
married. You said you’d raise the child on
your own, if I would just do my part. I
laughed. That’s when I fell in love with you.
I knew a girl like you’d take me places I’d
never been.
Present Tense 
Shsssh!
Don’t tell Holly about this until after tomorrow. I’m going to surprise her by giving her a copy of it on a little card tomorrow morning.
Holly seemed to like her poem. I’m so pleased.
What a nice birthday celebration we had this morning, including ice cream cup cakes for breakfast and yummy (but spicy!) Korean food for lunch.
Very sweet poem, Tim. I think you’ve really hit on why we love who we love– those little moments, those intimate (without being conventionally romantic or sexy) conversations that are so important to the two of you. The fact that you’re able to make those moments and conversations resonate with a larger audience testifies to your ability with words, I think.
Now, I think I’ll go work on something for my own wife– something along the lines of “You bought me ALL-STAR FAMILY FEUD on DVD/ You rock my face off, mofo.” I doubt mine will be as good as yours…
Thank you, Bradley. You’re very kind.
I have never really enjoyed much of the poetry I’ve been able to write, but I like this piece. I think you’re right about selecting the right moments to focus on, but I know little about poetry, and really struggle to get into the poetry of all the great, renowed poets. The poems that I like though, I really enjoy.
And let’s not forget that poetry is an excellent and inexpensive fallback gift for those times when you don’t have time to find a new kitchen gadget or book store gift certificate.
Thank you, Tim, for this lovely poem. Sharing my days with you is the best present ever. I love you, baby.
Awww.
Oh, wow!
lovely… very touching.
Thank you, Dana! It’s so true, too. Holly and I have gone places I’d never imagined we’d go!