Life In Progress

A Giant Leaf Frog

After dusk, untangle the silver threads of moonlight
embrangled in the patch of silvered birch trees
that lies astride our secret and enchanted lake.

Walk along the water's edge and find the stump of truth
half hidden by the sparkleberry bushes. 
Step quietly! And stoop  to listen for your Valentine.

You must be brave!  All fair creatures someday wrinkle
as they must;  but the ever warty, green complexion
of this leaf like creature is a cursed charm.

Close your charming eyes!  The creature's
stubby horns might blind you to the truth.  Nothing
but your heart can lead you to a royal  Valentine.

Feel for its four spikey feet and coax it toward
the warm, pink chalice  of your outstretched hands.
Weave your insurgent charm into a gentle kiss

and uncharm your handsome prince
or withhold your lips and torment him ever after
as you wish.

Dedicated to the magical Karen - a friend forever
Copyright © 2004-2009 by the authors

Eternal Valentines

As you climb step by step up
the gray, black speckled, granite stairs,
let your left hand brush along
the polished, brass rail that leads upward.
When you reach the broad, double glass doors, turn
your thought from the growling and honks
of the street traffic bound forever south and open
the gift our grandparents, mine and yours, left for us.

Today, don't check out the calendar of events
posted near the check-out desk.  Leave for another day
the workings of philosophers, theologians and psychologists
stacked and ordered to the 5th decimal place.

Don't linger too long beside the cradle of fairy tales,
myths and legends where an eight year old,
red-headed girl, splashed with freckles,
sprawls across a gray cushion and reads.

Follow your heart to the well-planted rows
of eternal Valentines tended by the 
sexy librarian at the reference desk.

Run your fingers along the textured bindings of their stems
until you find the one marked with your name.  There,
for as long as our fine city cares for all its own,
the petals of  love, pressed between the pages of a book,
will wait.

Dedicated to Emma
Copyright © 2004-2009 by the authors