younger people love describing
in poetry all the cool things
about riding around in that
brand-new yacht called love
then turn to blame-lyrics
when it becomes rickety
as water is too slowly bailed
and it sinks with a setting sun
that particular vessel requires
an all-hands-on deck commitment
to constant patches and repairs
to keep it afloat
with us older folks
still cruising together
we write about wrinkles on callouses
leathery skin around drooping eyes
the one who has a bent back
the other with hands stiff and scarred
and if you could look inside
you might hear the story about
the preservation of two hearts
beating stronger
than the day
they set sail