work together, 
and build a life: 
play together, 
and build a love

the sunshine brings 
its energy: 
the rain, though, brings 
our needed growth

a painted hurt 
a written joy 
creative ways 
to say and cope 

losing those loved, 
saying goodbye -- 
family means 
both joy and ache

as we traveled, 
we found new light 
in lands then strange 
to cloistered eyes 

in real delight, 
this amazing 
flowing moment 
here together 

what's not enough 
probably was 
taken in whole 
and for granted

tell me i'm wrong: 
i'll listen now -- 
i want to change 
and love better

beneath that sky, 
in gratitude, 
those late harsh words 
soft receded