you love the lavender rose

swimming in baby breaths 
in a fern green embrace

that was the easy part 

our first valentine's day, the red roses

that look of i appreciate this
but you're not quite there
and to be there was my only desire

eschewing chocolates was another

caramel combined with peanuts or popcorn
a sweetness enhanced with a touch of salt
she is the reason sea salt suddenly appeared
in the easy choices on the shelves

finally grabbing the larger picture

i had been given a uniqueness among women

she was not predictable
one that would constantly require

paying attention to the subtle differences

of her wants and needs

separating the wants she was comfortable with

and those that would make her feel

as if she has violated her cachet

differing the needs

the ones she denies herself because of discipline

the ones i need to attend to

it is your uniqueness that has kept me

forever pondering, observing in love's grasp

1/9/19