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.
Imagine the Possibilities 
“Holding yours through the years” beautiful!
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Thanks, Joyce!
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Really beautiful and touching. Happy Anniversary!
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Thank you, Diane.
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I believe more and more that a long marriage is a wonderful gift. We are approaching our 44th in August. What a lovely poem you have written that captures the feeling of long love…fingers…holding yours…and still.
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Thank you, Margaret.
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Rose, Happy Anniversary, and what a tender and gorgeous poem that perfectly captures the warmth and joy of being together and in love and the gift of a life together. There’s also something beautiful and especially ineffable about the daily holding of the morning cup of coffee twining with the daily gift of a life partner.
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Beautiful sentiment, Mona. Thank you!
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Happy anniversary. This is so homey and tender and grounded and just right.
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Appreciate that, Liz!
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Happy Anniversary!!! Thanks for sharing your heartfelt poem celebrating this milestone. Love Elton’s song too!
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Thanks, Jama. That’s one of my favorite Elton John songs.
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Happy Anniversary! You’ve captured something special :)
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Thank you, Tabatha.
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Rose, this is beautiful! Congratulations to you and your husband on 49 well-loved years!
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Thanks, Tracey!
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And still… love! Hooray for 49 years with your best friend! Such moments can’t even be imagined when one is heading for the altar…blessed, you are…and me too. xo
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Thanks, Irene!
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That “and still” says it all. Happy 49th, poet Rose. How wonderful life is while you’re in the world.
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Thanks so much!
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Happy 49th, Rose. Quite an achievement and to still be appreciating the simple connecting act of holding hands. That’s love…. Holding my hubbys hand of 45 years is one of my favorite things :)
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A perfect poem, Rose – thanks for sharing something so personal and meaningful with the rest of us! Lovely ritual. Happy Anniversary!!! (We’ll celebrate our 42nd in a few weeks.) :0) PS – Have always loved that Elton John song.
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Many congratulations! The abiding love of 49 years is a treasure. What a lovely way to begin your days in this season together. Here’s to another half-century of love for you two.
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Happy Anniversary! Those small, tendernesses hold the whole thing together, don’t they!
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Did we know this? Tom and I celebrated our 43rd on 5/28 :)Happy, happy anniversary to both you and Alan! I think your final line is perfect for these long marriages…”and still.”
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I don’t think we talked about this! Happy to share an anniversary date with you and Tom.
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Happy Anniversary Rose and thanks for sharing your heartfelt poem!
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Aw, Rose, your poem made me tear up. It’s beautiful. Happy 49th! And here’s to the next 49. ❤️
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Beautiful, Rose:) Congratulations on your anniversary! Your morning writing routine sounds wonderful and coffee delivery so touching. Love how you captured this moment in a poem!
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That poem is so touching, Rose! Our anniversary is May 28th, too. When we got married in New York, both the Knicks and the Rangers were in the playoffs. 32 years ago!
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Wow, that’s 3 of us (you, me, and Patricia) with the same anniversary. And yes, I remember spending part of that weekend watching basketball playoffs, too.
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Rose and Allan, happy, happy anniversary. That poem is so delightful. The coffee warming your aching hands as they remember holding Allan’s. So beautiful.
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Rose and Allan, happy, happy anniversary. That poem is so delightful. The coffee warming your aching hands as they remember holding Allan’s. So beautiful.
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