the gift

the gift
money can't buy anything heartfelt
red roses were already there
not a third pair of slippers
no, need was for something very personal
last year a picture
this year, the last one probably
his voice, her voice
communication
the perfect gift
it's said that time and understanding work miracles
two people reunited generously
outside of flowers and balloons
where children sing grandmother's medleys
with a jazzy prayer of thanksgiving
that another year has brought goodness
yet another year of special events
has passed without them together
exceptional days with just one detail misplaced
         can't tell him I look forward to seeing him soon
         (my most precious dream)
         telling her I miss her, when will the words sound right
         (will she forgive my absence)
so for the magic hundred year birthday
a small effort organizing an improbable surprise
seven hour time zone change
her two-o'clock nap deftly interrupted
at his end-of-day hour for renewed happiness
one more "for she's a jolly good fellow" refrain
and quick tearful hellos
the dams will break later, and for other reasons
they speak in coded phrases
pre-senility and unadorned love
unneeded are the translations to punctuate the silences
         there's a picture on my wall
         I've got the winter one at the Art Museum
simultaneous visions of happiness across the oceans
the reminder of the continuity of this love
and to make it happen
a gift few would share




                   "the gift"
                   22 march, 2005
                   for Annie