So many things count as love

For my sweetie, my beloved, Jeff.  

So many things count as love:

The double bunch of tulips

Crammed in the vase;

The invitation to dinner

Tomorrow night

So we can wait home tonight

For our daughter,

Now 16,

Out to dinner;

The endless series

Of cards with small children

Holding hands,

So we can remember our childhood

Together

Even though we met

In our mid-thirties;

Together

Noticing the squirrels in the backyard

As they fluff their tails;

Seeing the way the cat

Matches the new floor tile

In the kitchen.

So many things count as love:

The fist bump

Over the top of the shower stall

When leaving;

The call before coming home

Once again.

So many things

Count as love.