Sunset

Arnold’s wife, Doris, died on Saturday
After sixty-two years of courtship and love,
Respect, children, pain, hope
And the daily happenings that make a life.

Arnold may have been a bit premature
Asking Doris, on their first date,
If she would marry.
Arnold was in love.

We all wish for a soft ending,
One free of incremental loss,
Burdens delivered,
Unwanted, debilitating.

Few of us will be that fortunate,
But fewer still will have
The great good fortune
Of having a Doris as life’s companion.