23 Haikus

For Virginia on the occasion of our twenty-third wedding anniversary.


1.

You came to my room

With sunlight and nectarines

I followed you home

2.

Sointula boat house

Ravaged by a cold-sore fever

I kissed you anyway

3.

Walking in the rain

Water bouncing off the road

Melting paper bags


4.

Handcuffs and bail bonds

Justice of the peace perplexed

No film in the camera

5.

Concert in Amsterdam

You fainted from the heat

I carried you away

6.

Passports and visas

We choose the same direction

Traveling the world


7.

Your whistle's too loud!

The sound carries for miles

I come when you call

8.

The curve of your neck

As your skin reflects moonlight

As seen from above

9.

You ask me to wait

While you tie your shoe laces

And inspire a song


10.

The cat makes you sneeze

You react like a lion

A Leo times two

11.

Nurturing children

Two sons bigger than both of us

They shine with your light

12.

Your hair on the pillow

It catches the morning light

Tinted with auburn


13.

Lingerie laid out

You untangle fishnet stockings

The snap of elastic

14.

Subconscious imagery

Eyebrows furrowed in concentration

The smell of turpentine

15.

Red Convertible

White sand and abstract palm trees

Together in Maui


16.

Midnight fireworks

You catch what I drop

A juggling duo

17.

A toss of your head

Hair flying past my face

The smell of wild musk

18.

One more time

Deep forest plays over and over

It never gets boring


19.

The smell of fresh bread

The sounds you make in the kitchen

Food for thought

20.

No need to explain

A comfortable silence

You know what I'm thinking

21.

Dancing by my side

The music becomes louder

We dance through the night


22.

Lying beside you

Your breathing slows and deepens

I am part of your dream

23.

Twenty-three haikus

Written for my valentine

It's easy to love you


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