Yesterday our granddaughter cuddled with me on the couch
She fell asleep like you have so many times in the past
Though you were just across the room it made me think of you;
Bringing to mind the progress of our cuddling

For me, it is beautiful that you like to be close
Not too close to stifle me, allowing me great freedom
Yet filling me with the desire to be closer to you
Filling our next-to-ness with incredible riches

I revel in the memories of the urgent closeness of our youth
Which time has tumbled and burnished
Like the constancy of wind and water that has imprinted nature,
Carving beauty that artists can only try to emulate.

Our closeness has become as well-worn gloves
Softened to comfort weary hands
Cuddling them with such “oohing” delight

That is what our pleasures are now, simple.
Pleasures brought on by the reliability of our love
Earned through years of effort
Through the workings of life’s vicissitudes

Each night when you are sleeping, and I put my arm around you
It has become an expectation, always fulfilled
That you will lock my arm to your body with yours
As joyful thankfulness fills my soul.