The day of her birth

predicated mine

upon that breast

I was weaned

to kindness

giving of self to the point

of exhaustion

and raw courage

some of this richness

almost spoils me so

I temper

like chocolate in a double

boiler

the simmering heat of

life release the flaws

of excess

in a controlled

burn

and (like her)

I serve a table

set to delight

rich

with love