Woman-izer...

Don’t mind me, he whispers, running fingers through her hair

He tilts her chin to marvel at the colors of the morn

And fills her mouth with candy, kissing her while cradles wear

Her heart’s innermost lining as the child is gently torn

From mother’s reaching murmurs, he pacifies her lament

‘Forgive me’ still he whispers as her maiden-form is bent

He laughs in flower-colors, teases with forgetfulness

While her children sing ‘Happy Birthday to you, Mom’

His ever-present Presents gift her with life’s cruel kindliness

She longs to gather like a mother hen each daughter, son

And protect them from living's pain that most assuredly waits

While bluebells bob in bonny-breeze on swinging garden gates

…but Pain is the harbinger to authenticity

He softens desperation; we are not forever young

As he slips from her finger the brass ring of fantasy

Lest she is haunted by the echoes of those songs she never sung

...yes, she’s seen knives glint between teeth where lips were shaped in smile

And she is not so quickly taken by flattery’s polished guile

She doesn’t want to miss it all while ‘getting it all done’

In the crook of his compassion he compels her to switch gears

And relish more from less; he holds her like lover torn

Twixt holding on and letting go; the morning disappears

…she begs him to hit pause so she won’t miss a single dance

While woodland gardens bloom and fade without a single glance

Don’t mind me, he whispers, running fingers through the air

He tilts her chin to marvel at the way Time’s colors swirl

And fills her mouth with murmurs molded into humble prayer

Her heart’s innermost lining holds the echoes of a girl

As the height of love’s expression spills soundless within her tears

‘Forgive me’ still he whispers brushing hours into years

© Janet Martin

So the apple trees bloomed and the blooms fell, witnessed by none but earth's Great Garden-keeper...but there were birthdays to celebrate and anniversary too...love's callings, so many and the hours so few...

Today is our 26th anniversary, on Saturday is my birthday...again! already!;(...oops  :)