The Valentine balloon you bought for me
Slipped off its dime-store curling-ribbon tether
And floated, drifted unexpectedly
This morning over Baltimore. The weather
Offered up a sky completely grey.
I stood still in the parking lot to view
The bright metallic heart-shape soar away.
But in my own strong, shiny heart I knew
The moment was a perfect symbol of
The color that you brought into my life:
The vibrant and the brilliant, happy love
That made us second husband, second wife.
The metaphor both makes me laugh and cry;
Whatever time we have on earth will fly.
Janet Fricke Combs 