We’ll meet in 3 days so I read
your work with gratitude.
You show me a mother’s heart, 
the courage of a granddaughter,
disappointment with your words
and a 44 year old love song

in neat stanzas, lines that descend
the page, flow like a gentle waterfall,
couplets that excite my imagination
before they surprise with a fresh turn.

I’d recognize each of your voices
wherever I might find them–
crumpled pages, discarded.
lines your read to me in my sleep 
or in beautifully bound books. 

Your skill always amazes me,
teaches me the way to poetry.