To My Wife, Laura
I look to you and notice the little things
Like the firmness of your touch
The slight wrinkles in your brow
When you have concentrated too much
The way you crinkle your nose at me
When I honor your inherent charm
Or when, in my arms, I comfort you at night
After nightmares have caused you harm
The casual, carefree bend in your stance
When you are relaxed and at ease
The way you take pleasure in my smile
When you try, so hard, to please
You have consistently captivated me
Keeping me fascinated with what you do
From woodworking to interior decorating
With furniture slightly askew
Over the years, I've taken for granted
The seductive wiggle in your walk
The twinkle in your hazel green eyes and
That little schoolgirl giggle when you talk
Or when we talk about the first days
And the commitment in your voice
To the loyalty and grace in the manner
When you look to reaffirm your choice
It's the 'all' that complements the whole
Though indeed they are small and few
I've come to love and understand
The true meaning of what is you
Now, as the mother of our child, I see
These effects in him- almost anew
All I can say, on this Mother's day, is
Over the years, I'm happy it was only you.
