we always knew
that good times came
with termination contracts
even if we weren't quite ready
to sign it.

for those memories are now
just like these little kittens
I hold in my hands

those can be kissed
and treasured
but not held too tightly.

some winters
will never melt

some summers
will never freeze

and some things will only
... live in poems.

our feet
are grape-squashed in memories

our skins are still flushed
from the touch
of summer’s lips.

I am filled time and again
with a heart-aching wonder
when I think

of the fire
and frost of memories

of the everlastingness
of love

the solace
of family
and the power
of prayer.

tell me
of something fiercer
than the love with which
i gaze upon you

of something softer
than the tenderness
with which i hold you.