My friend you have no idea
how long I’ve waited for this happiness,
this little cottage under a Monterey pine
with a woman inside who surprises me every day.

I remember months of eggs and potatoes
with you and I remember when our animals
got it in the road, Mary, The Wit, Button
smashed by hurtling motorists.
Before that I remember deaths and
disappointments bundled together
intimate as yarn till I could fling
salt tears from my fingers like dewdrops.

It’s frightening how much misery I bought
with my nickel-n-dime detachment
that got me out of aching crowds.
We wanted to affect civilization until
lightning came down often and everywhere
but as far as I can tell these days
there isn’t need anymore for prophesy.

Now pregnant women terrify me
and babies melt my heart.
I can imagine unspeakable regions
filled to distraction with blind seeds
while an enormous invisible body
dines on imperial glands

but what can I say to this woman
who touches me?