hair brushing evenings
and counting freckles grievings
i wish i had everyday
with you this way
have you noticed it too?
the softening
that happens
when you look at someone
over so many years
once harsh features
now gloopy
so gentle
a bit whispered
do you know
your nose turns up
and spreads out
when you close teeth smile
do you realize
you hold your head back
when i make you laugh
do you sense
that you don't show your teeth
when you feel
something truly
in its edges and curves
it's the stifled ecstasy