thirty years
Another late September vanishes.
Noon after noon turns dusk, but just before
Night falls, the lilting autumn sun lights your
Estate: four acres of contentedness.
Joined up by mutual affection for
Each other, you are bound by cords that have
Remained unbroken thirty years so far —
Or not at least left unrepaired for long.
Life has, as life will do, changed you, but not
Diminished what you love about this view.
Meanwhile, honeybees attend to new
Arrangements in their hive, exchanging near–
Gold morsels of devoted motion, dear
Neat thoughts, caresses that will see them through
Until the bridal wreath and all its flowers
Succumb to sun, the sun collapses, and
On earth the very thought of Loving can
Not last another day, another hour.
30.ix.2025