you know me inside out through 40 years
        and more. Births welcomed with tender
ripples of surprise.  And deaths in giant waves
    that tried to drown us.  
New jobs and old bound us together—we  navigated 
    with fresh hunger long hours we chose,
then loved to leave

What do you see today as we sit across
    from one another?         Nibble salads. 
Less hungry than we once were for the next
    prize, a new passion.     More patient.
We wait for layers of chocolate dessert
    and pain-free knees.  

You probably, no you definitely–see
    worry and  fatigue (my love’s decline)
my trust that you will answer my midnight call.