pile to prize

funny what people choose to admire

physical beauty that requires

face lifts and tummy tucks

perfume and make-up

to try to sustain

or money which is which is a paper

promise easily burned or stolen

or conned or lost to greed or failure

to mend unseen holes in pockets

when, all around us

is a wealth of beauty maintained

by mother nature and geologic time

flora and fauna richly varied, colorful

beyond our far-flung imagination

waves gliding or pounding

into shores smoothed or carved

or gouged into wondrous cliffs

or dunes or caves resounding

with joy abundantly shared if

we would only be still and listen, look

touch, taste, smell and welcome

the bond of touch

the bond of touch

after seeing a black and white photo by William Wood

hair tumbling to her waist she sits straight-backed but not resisting

his hand gathering that silken hair to rest on her shoulder

expressing hope, care and tenderness in his touch

awakening in youth

what will bond and succor each

through pains and triumphs

of human life

                                    mjNordgren 5/31/2022  N