Happy Valentine's Day

Joanne Starbuck & Hannah Atkins

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My Dearest Darling (for Joanne)

my dearest darling

i who was an awkward child

(and awkward even more so now, as time may tell)

can find no words, of poetry or prose

from which to speak, with any eloquence

to you my dearest one.

while you my beloved

speak more movingly

with a single smile,

and a knowing glowing look

people discern

the moment you enter

(with joyful hope filled grace) any room,

or cast a welcoming glance

seeing with eyes (bright with Godly affection)

that compels heaven’s own compassion 

your voice, vulnerable and strong,

friendly with the deepest intimacy,

touches people with warm delight,

while your smile lightens the heaviest

places of our hearts.

your laughter, riot with infection

helps heal this world,

and then your beauty,

beyond all measure

in these wise eyes of mine,

reminds me that

God in His good judgment

(clever beyond all knowing)

knew from earth’s beginning

you were to be and are still

an answer to my prayers

before wishes were formed

or words first spoken between us.

in years spelled out with clemency,

we have nearly learned to see and

speak each other’s thoughts, often

understanding what the other means

in quiet moments

through silent gestures and knowing nods,

tacit with expression.

so well it seems, that words

spoken with haste (quickly now who speaks first)

may often slip through our tongues and

choke our speech

listening is a learned art

i am learning still.









From ~ Wheels Turning Inward (C) 2010

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Wheels Turning Inward
New and Selected Poems by
Ron Starbuck

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