As the heat of day is flung

into evening's dusky sky,

I, beneath straw-brimmed hat

glance askance at you, reach for your hand,

point to soaring pelicans and sea birds

as they pass over palms, masts,

and the settling sun's eucharist-like offering -

sigh, turn into your shoulder with a slow smile

made of our joys, sorrows, sweat and tears,

our yesterdays, our bright tomorrows -

will be enough

to sustain, nourish and replenish?

by Margaret Bednar, July 7, 2017