Of Love

A feeling of euphoria, a woman and a rose, a long, committed partnership, of love the husband knows. A tenuous and abstract thing of love he understands-- or thinks he does until they place a baby in his hands. A miracle, a wonder who can bring him to his knees, who grips his heart with fear at every cough and baby sneeze. She calls to him in silent nights, the deepest sleep defeats. She holds his breath in hostage till he knows her heart still beats. Behold, the hulking man of men of beastly, manly powers who’s brought to tears by tiny fists with gifts of mangled flowers. A feeling of euphoria, a little girl, a rose, a dirty face, a sloppy kiss-- of love the father knows.