Old Love (edit #1)

[71degrees]

(Inspired by Under the Porchlight and Young Folks in Love.)

Counting faded scars,
having lost big and repacked
the luggage with new balance,
joy comes in gleaming nuggets:
welcome home grin,
a hand on shoulder or butt pat,
kisses hot enough to heat the long winter,
the knowledge of grace and luck.

Together fifty years or five,
we trace the lines that brought us here,
accepting the value and burden of the deal.
Tickled by the relief of company,
shelving our knowledge that endings
are sad, we giggle and dance while we can.

Like all the "b" sounds in here (e.g. big, balance, butt, brought, burden). Have always felt the "b" sounds were like little kisses, which is a good thing to push your upbeat theme along. Other word choices I like: "nuggets, tickle, giggle"….as a whole the poem is pleasant and easy going on the eyes and ears.

If I had to offer criticism, a bit abstract maybe, not a lot to hang a hat on as far as images I can wrap my imagination around, but what the heck. The message is clear. Eye candy.