By Peter Kovarik
What is love?
The sun was rising slowly when Barb tiptoed to my side of bed and leaned over with eye drops in her hand.
I like to read books and watch the world, she knows.
Her gentle touch keeps my eyes clear and strong.
The coffee was brewing, when I finally stumbled in the kitchen.
My favorite muffins turned golden in the oven,
Their sweet aroma has called my name.
No temptation for Barb, she prefers a healthier fare.
The day looked promising.
Barb checked our calendar, there was no appointment to drive me to,
no doctors’ co-pay to pay today.
Our city’s pride and glory is a shiny lake called Monroe.
Along this gorgeous promenade that loops around its shore
you can enjoy a walk or zip by on your bike.
Wistfully, we named it “our Grand Corniche”, for its palm-lined namesake
somewhere on the Cote d’ Azure.
Today we’ll stroll on it and will dream of a sunny Nice.
Barb keeps her nose mostly buried in her phone.
It’s her duty to keep the family clan connected and informed.
Whereas I choose to keep my tiny I-phone quiet, my inner peace undisturbed.
We are both foodies, sharing love for cooking and eating.
Making food for her is my joy and pleasure,
and my humble thanks for everything she has been doing.
Our love is ordinary and yet very special.
It lives in words and in silence,
in gestures of sympathy and encouragement,
in a fleeting smile and hearty laughter, making every day a bit brighter.
It makes our life worth living.
