Matched Pair

Much they have in common
met when both fourteen
married fifty-four years
- to one another.
Still share identical age
somewhat agreeing on
life's outlook though
interpretations vary resulting
in frequent discussions verging on
disagreement, less trenchant
as the years progress
opinions almost merging
to quiescent acceptance
still subject to sudden flares
of dissonance though
nothing serious,
merely idiosyncratic.

They share matched memories
almost, with some variations
in tenor if not in details
and a proclivity to hug and to kiss
and to proclaim sensitivity
to one another's point of view
sharing values, experiences
children and priorities.
Their dependence on one the other
absolute, a requirement for
utter comfort, satisfaction in life's
uncertainties, knowing no
uncertain element in that,
their devotion to morning rituals
afternoon circumstances
and evening's practise
for that long and dim sleep.

In the meanwhile
take pleasure in the company
each knows so intimately
although not to the extent
that one is capable of
capturing the other's every thought
and therein lies the mystique
of the familiar unfamiliar
that piques every day with the
question of what's next?
For there is no sameness to the
progress of the days
the weeks, the years gone by
each steeped in the mystery
and beauty of a shared life.

Reassuring love gestures
none too casual
to convey meaning
a smile like none other
a passing caress
a gentle word
a lifetime of assurance
and tender grace.

c. 2009 Rita Rosenfeld