Sonnet 12 – Morning Coffee With You

On the front porch drinking coffee, wrapped tight
against the cold and Annie at our feet,
I reach across to take your hand, sunlight
dancing upon your skin. No smile so sweet

or healing to me as yours, Love. Annie
growls at passers-by. Younger, she would have
given chase, unconcerned with whether she
caught them. The chasing was what she most loved.

A black blur, she’d shadow crows across our
farm. Their altitude was nothing and joy
was all. Now, older, she watches, wards her
keep. Once, I thrilled in chasing you, but my

first, best happiness was the catch. Your smile
speaks life to me. Stay here with me a while?