The way we coax the weight from one another’s shoulders,
understand the end of the depths of our strengths,
void our swollen aches, carry together our
weariness. You and me—
xerophytes if there ever were. Tough and wiry
yellow-never
zacatons
abiding in hope,
bending enough to avoid the break.
Choosing to choose each other—
deciding to,
even in the
fight. Saying
good night, and meaning it,
hands cupped around the last light
in case it really is
just like that—because you never
know.
Leaning in to steady each other
mostly since we’ve grown
not
old, but gold.
Plus, we’ve never looked sharper—with our
quick wits and silver foxiness,
right? You and me, to a tee, like the kids used to
slang—
tight.
© 2026 Jennifer Wagner
Written for Laura’s dVerse Abecedarian challenge
Photo © Jennifer Wagner
I love this!
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful strong relationships... just about to enter that stage, and we will continue to pursue things together.
ReplyDeleteYouth is wasted on the young! Nothing like sticking around for the love.
ReplyDelete👍
DeleteNice write 👏 A whole life of love shown as two people choosing each other again and again.
ReplyDelete"quick wits and silver foxiness" - that's how I see myself 👍 haha
I love this abecedarian poem, Jennifer, the way it goes from T to T, showing that love isn’t only for the young, and the line ‘bending enough to avoid the break’ – so true of a strong relationship.
ReplyDeleteThis is so gorgeous! And such a clever use of the form! Seamless. And heartwarming 💖
ReplyDeleteBRAVA BRAVA for an encore of this (I think) really difficult form. Well done!
ReplyDeleteJennifer, I like how you broke up the alphabet. Your voice is strong and sincere here. You and your partner are blessed to have found each other in your reciprocal development and affection for each other.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite lines, stunning in their mindfulness:
"good night, and meaning it,
hands cupped around the last light
in case it really is"
Superbly beautiful. Love how you began with the end of the alphabet. The message is delicious. Thank you
ReplyDeleteBrilliant and lovely down to the last line. Thank you for summing up so much of what is in my heart, holding on forever.
ReplyDeleteA love poem for the ages Jennifer, tender and tough in all the right places. I love it.
ReplyDeleteLove this Jennifer-the feeling of settlinng in and dancing with love.
ReplyDelete