My smile is a messenger

And your lips are the arrows

That shot down any chance

Of an early delivery.

Your arms are the news

Something to awake to

Then meeting on the front porch

As a ‘welcome home’

After a long day for both of us.

Your eyes are evening meals

Spent in comfortable silence

Or animated conversation

Of all things meaningful

Of all things meaningless.

Your laughter is a familiar song

One I cherish and play often

One I long to hear echo in my heart.

Your smile is a messenger

And our lips are quiet pen pals

Anxiously, then comfortably exchanging

Notes, then letters, poetry

Sonnets and haikus

Essays on the human condition

Whispered and shouted.

Our hands and fingers are the ink

Intertwining phrases and inscribing love

Staining faces and all else.