yours to keep


if i never said your name again
but maybe in my sleep,
or while i'm walking
my dog, or talking to
my neighbor, or to a
woman who reminds me
of you, or to your
friend-girls, or to
the grocery clerk, or
the tv set late at night,
or even to our daughter,
i wouldn't, i couldn't
love you any less or
appreciate you any more
than the last hour, week,
month, or 34 years.

So,

i let the wind whisper
your name, let the leaves
bristle your name, and
listen as the birds chirp
your name like it was a long-lost
treasure map to the moon,
and i'm the only pirate left.

yet,alas, i'm earth bound.

10/21/2004