My Dearest Darling (for Joanne)

my dearest darling
i who was an awkward child
(and awkward even more so now, as time may tell)
can find no words, of poetry or prose
from which to speak, with any eloquence
to you my dearest one.
while you my beloved
speak more movingly
with a single smile,
and a knowing glowing look
people discern
the moment you enter
(with joyful hope filled grace) any room,
or cast a welcoming glance
seeing with eyes (bright with Godly affection)
that compels heaven’s own compassion

your voice, vulnerable and strong,
friendly with the deepest intimacy,
touches people with warm delight,
while your smile lightens the heaviest
places of our hearts.
your laughter, riot with infection
helps heal this world,
and then your beauty,
beyond all measure
in these wise eyes of mine,
reminds me that
God in His good judgment
(clever beyond all knowing)
knew from earth’s beginning
you were to be and are still now
an answer to my prayers
before wishes were formed
or words first spoken between us.

in years spelled out with clemency,
we have nearly learned to see and
speak each other’s thoughts, often
understanding what the other means
in quiet moments
through silent gestures and knowing nods,
tacit with expression.
so well it seems, that words
spoken with haste (quickly now who speaks first)
may often slip through our tongues and
choke our speech
listening is a learned art
i am learning still.

yet, such love as ours
knows no boundaries in time
or space for that matter.
it is a patient love, an enduring love
meant to bring, a quiet peace unto the world
where dreams are bred, and heaven is born,
you my heart are God’s gift to me
and i to you it seems.
He told me so you see!

I bow to you now, as Texas bluebonnets
bow graciously in a warm spring breeze
blooming with color, as you bloom with light.






Ron Starbuck
Copyright 2007