VALENTINE

When we met,

We said very little to each other.

Polite, decently mannered, respectful.

I helped you on with your coat and when you left,

My friend said, “well if you don’t, I will”.

You know,

The way guys talk.

Now, sometimes, we find time to walk together.

One dog running, sniffing, running, sniffing

The other plodding,

Satisfied that it is enough,

We say little,

As most of it has been said.

Or we sit and have a drink

And talk about our children

Or wonder out loud about the future.

As if we can do something about it,

Or make it stop from coming.

Sometimes I can barely remember what’s happened

So far.

Did they get married?

Yes.

Did they have children?

Yes, two beautiful.

Oh good, then it sounds like a happy ending.

No ending here,

Just faith and love

And everything those words

Can carry.