For Patty

I,

insufficient,

like the world

which strains to share your warmth

to contain the heat of your spirit

(which gives you your strongness),

 

love,

incalculable,

like the undulating flame

that lifts and dances

mirthfully

in the winds of your passion, creativity and warmth,

 

you,

everlasting,

like the stalwart soul

steering always toward calm

winding in and out and through

the cold and craggy paroxysms

of life’s unruly seas.

 

Yet I have this for you,

consummate mother,

constant companion,

enduring friend.

 

— Christmas 2011