Tenderness

March 8, 2025

It boils down to us then, this

Tender bond strong enough

            To last a lifetime, and beyond,

Each kiss, each hand proffered, taken,

            Held softly, dearly,

A half-century ago we paddled

An aluminum canoe up the Pickpocket River,

            Deer along the bank, July sun baking,

A bottle of Beaujolais tied to the stern

Trailing in cool water, silent woods and

The splashing of oars, we laughed,

               We kissed,

We’re still in the canoe,

Wondering what we’ll find

Around the next bend,

Mysteries still await at this late hour,

Let me pour us another glass

               And celebrate us,

The resplendent sun reflecting

Off the deep green river,

               Off your soft green eyes.