there’s all this
parsing
of language
words like
“complete” phrases
about medical conditions
akin to deflating balloons
of fires or absence
of floods or draught
people pining
about not pining
of heart diseases
chocolate
greeting card holidays
colossal cons
expensive rocks
to articulate just
the right feeling

there’s all this
and there’s you
this world
you
distill
this world
you
bring into focus
this world
I am grateful for
everyday
not just one
everyday
not a world made
more complete
but
the flavors
are more bold
the colors
more vibrant
the songs
more in tune
because of the hours
I get to spend
with you.

-Valentine’s Day 2024