Valentine for Certain Women

(an excerpt, originally for Susan)

The heart of friendship is a sturdy daisy and nub of grape 

still clinging to fence. Driving coast to coast without

ever leaving our chairs. A collage of significant photos.

You first cut my daughter’s hair.

Our families are each tattooed with grief. A bouquet 

of friends on the ever cluttered table. Passive aggressive. 

Taken over. A visit when least expected. My nickname

spoken with your voice. 

We move into new homes, counters stacked with mail. 

Trees in need of water. Winter and spring. Our friendship, 

a rolling cart on wheels. Recall of playing piano two by two 

on a bench as a girl.

As if you were always there. Looking for knives and spoons

in my mother's drawers. Vinyl on the turn table. Sitting down to sigh.