it’s eight degrees Fahrenheit outside
and I have a long way
to drive
with my tank full
on the winter road
and my heart full
of tender thoughts

soft snowflakes are glistening
on trees
I am passing by

your soul is gently kissing
the branches of my life
on the path we’ve chosen

and I am beginning to understand
that your love is
gentle listening
when I am frustrated

coffee with mountains of cream
on cozy Saturday mornings

folding peaks of laundry
and cuddling in the soft glow
of a candle bought on sale

finding compromises
when it’s so easy to
fight for truths
pretending to know better
when that’s really a lie

your love dwells in
every cell of my body
my brain, my whole being

I am breathing you
in deep, freeing breaths

discovering you
in our children’s eyes
that whisper your gentleness
and move
the mountains
of my pride to shelter me

and in thoughtfully packed lunches
for the day ahead
in a glass of fine wine
when dusk sprinkles its
silver peace

you are part of every
move I make
and of every gift
thoughtfully wrapped

every velvet scarf
kissing me gently
on chilly winter mornings
when seeing you again
seems like an eternity

it’s eight degrees outside
and love is
filling up my soul
with fuel
for the long drive ahead
on the road we’ve chosen
many miles ago