I hope you don’t mind, I hope you don’t mind
That I put down in words
How wonderful life is
With you in the world.
from “Your Song”- music by Elton John, lyrics by Bernie Taupin

Yesterday was my 49th wedding anniversary. An almost-traditional milestone year and certainly something to shout out. Not everyone gets to spend the rest of their life with their best friend, but I got lucky.

I’m an early riser, sneaking out of bed, usually before dawn, to make my way to my office (formerly my son’s bedroom) for some morning writing. I love the quiet of the house, greeting the new day with the birds, getting lost in some poems or a section of the book I’m reading, and maybe even finding inspiration. When Allan gets up, if he senses that I might be there a while longer, he brings me a cup of coffee, my first of the day. It’s a ritual I cherish, this kindness that needs no words. One day last week as I cupped my hands around the warm mug, these lines came to me:

As I Drink My Morning Coffee

my hands cup the mug,

feel the warmth
soothing the ache
in fingers that remember
lacing through,
curling around,
holding yours
through the years…

and still
Draft, 2026Rose Cappelli

Mary Lee has the roundup today at A(nother) Year of Reading where she is preparing for a summer potluck, and we’re invited! Be sure to stop by for lots of poetry fun.