-written for my wife on our anniversary 

Put forth the clock that
turns annually. A handful 

of flowers is a gift
and a reminder that we have

to keep feeding and tending
so that it’ll last. They open

like arms that hold all answers.
See their throats, singing

praises to the one who will care
for them. What do we have

to tend still? Weed and thorn
climb every day, but we choose

to stay, nurture that which blooms.
And blooms again every time

I hear your voice.