The Old Couple

Their lawn chairs in the sun Outside a standard door-- They are considered nonproductive. They passed their buying power For the next to last measured lot. The old man putters about the yard. Turning earth for flowers that she wants Beside the fence of hedge and vine; And to a reel gone out of style, He dances with his dog. She feeds all birds and stops to watch A squirrel glide like a leaf Among the thoughts of friends Whose deaths predict their own; The papers tell them so. She brings him tea and stories, Retelling all that made them glad, And love for children who had fled in fear Of palsied hands to faster places Where an hour can wear no dust.