Kissing Clay: From Valentine

Declaration of Love 2: Kissing Clay: From Valentine

Declarations of love are a staple in fiction and they vary enormously according to author, audience, characters and situation. We mostly think of such effusions as romantic. We hope they're truthful, and we hope (usually) that they'll be made and received in a positive manner. Love's not always romantic though, so not all the declarations in this sub-set will be between romantic partners. This one is from one half of a long-married couple.

Let me not be kissing clay

When I touch your feet

And when I take your hand

Do let it be cold as spring—

I wear your ring

But—

Let me not be disappointed

When I look at you

With open eyes

At chilling three a.m.

And sleep again.

May you not regret your vow

When you lie with me.

When you see my skin unclad

May you know the truth and yet—

Not in regret

So—

May you never feel short-changed

When you’re holding me

In later years

As lines are etched in age

On my skin’s page.

Let us never turn aside

As we wander on,

Though grey and glasses come—

When we climb the winding hill

Be loving still

And—

Let us keep the words alive

When we speak aloud

And kisses keep

Our currency for life

As man and wife.