peering out the kitchen window

you are on your knees working

afore the roses are a border
of smaller flowers, you know their names
intimate knowledge of their needs

 arranged, perennial, annual, color

each a foot soldier to the rose they serve

hands that care for thee and me
as i so often have said peering into
her every day as she moves between us all
from the dinner table to the birdfeeders
hands that have woven all that surrounds her
blending us all into the joy of her existence 
while i see only the beauty in color and form

i am not so devoid of this picture

as not to recognize

the loving strokes of Monet therein

i have been given a moment with a masterpiece

that only i will ever have

one that will forever grace

the gallery in my heart, where are your portraits

where i go when life takes you momentarily away

and i am missing you
hands that care for thee and me

1/4/19