Featured Poem: Chapters

By Terry Henry
Pensacola Branch

 

He sits in his favorite chair in the early morning light

His reading glasses perched on his nose

Slowly scrolling through the morning headlines on his cellphone

His half empty coffee cup by his side.

 

She waters the tomato plants and multiple flower pots on the deck

Looking around the yard she contemplates which tasks to accomplish next.

A stunning red cardinal sits on the fence watching her with vague interest.

She knows that his mate is close by scavenging for their morning meal.

 

He attempts to repair the screen door that needs some work

The project requires multiple trips to the hardware store

The door is finally repaired to his satisfaction

It is time for lunch.

 

She is engrossed in weeding the flowerbeds but realizes she has been working too long.

Taking a break in the shade, she watches as a slight breeze moves through the backyard.

The pastel blossoms of the crepe myrtles look like ballerinas dancing in colorful tutus

The windchime serves as their orchestra for a moment in time.

 

In the afternoon, they sit on the deck gazing at the gardens created over the past 30 years.

While most of that time was controlled by deadlines, conference calls, and appointments.

Today their only appointment is with each other, watching the moonflowers open at sunset.

As the sun disappears on the horizon another page is completed in the chapter of their lives.

7 comments

  1. Claire Massey says:

    Such a gentle, tender portrait of a long, supportive marriage–and the way such unions age so gracefully.

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