How Long

Walking home,
on Ruth’s birthday,
after dropping the girls at school
my jacket open, day warming
my hands in the pockets, akimbo
she slid beside me,
knitting her arm with mine
at the corner, the crossing guard
She asked, how long have you been married
instinctively, she said “forever” and I “always”
We each know our history, life before
But forever, always are true as well
four years on, almost, since we met
a lifetime ago, those days before
How long will you be holding hands
oh that is a question, smiling
we answered together,
we hope forever, always

May 7, 2008