Nuts

Hovering between Valentine's Day and Easter
Hugging my teddy bear like a little lost soul,
Fingers gently brushing the fur,
Feeling — feeling — more than just fur. 

Friends and lovers come in all sorts of packages,
Some leave the taste of chocolate and mint on my tongue,
Some wrap themselves in mystery with a wink and a grin.
And when the Black-eyed Susans wave
In the late summer breeze
I shall remember both with the same smile. 

Holding back the tears overflowing from my heart
I eat the cashews first. 
Never before have I felt so much caring
Emanate from a simple box of nuts.


march 2009
Janet Reid