For Doug and Laura
Topic: Doug and Laura
As you start the journey
through your engagement,
remember, this is only the prelude
to many years together.

Attention in the coming months
will be given singled-mindedly
to the "event," the wedding day.
Again, perspective please.

May your wedding day
be everything you ever dreamed.
It is, though, only one solitary day
that marks the beginning.

Remember to plan for the life
after that day. Remember to cherish
those first moments of "husband,"
"wife," and "marriage."

Those tiny moments adhere quickly
into "ever after." Savor the delicious
taste of each and treasure them always.
Plan not just the event, but forever.

Linger
Topic: Linger
It isn?t difficult
to understand poetry.

It takes a straight read.

It demands
an ability to maneuver
steep, twisted, treacherous
mountain roads.
Sometimes, we meet
others in our descent
and need to reverse
our course back
to the origin.

Start again.

Other times, it is like
the gentle curves
and valleys
of a woman?s body
with all of its peaks
and recesses
that warrant attention.

Linger.

It isn?t difficult
to understand poetry.