r&r coupling
it’s one of those days
to enjoy a good book and réfléchir race
“couples: speaking from the heart” by mariana cook absorbed my gaze
last protégée of ansel adams, images captured with griot grace
a pattern recurs of what makes couples tick
what makes the bond slick
to endure each other and lasting stick
through highs and lows, boom and bleak
the magic glue is a healthy respect
trust that emanates from real acceptance instead of reject
common values and interests create harmonious sound
punctuated by differences celebrated instead of being bound
thus i distill and dissect
that real respect
is critical aspect
of a strong relationship pact
rest and recreation intact