If I had a chance to choose

Art credit - Pierre-Auguste Cot, Springtime, 1873

If I had a chance to choose,
    I would give these gifts to you
        when the sun begins to set,
            on the day we kiss and wed… 

Cloaks woven of angel’s wings
    to keep you safe from danger-things.
        Potions from a fairy’s well
            so you’re healthy, fresh and hale. 

Ways for you to call the names 
    of every joy you want to claim,
        so they’ll answer happily 
            for you and all your family. 

I’d collect two shooting stars
    to take us to the Moon Bazaar,
        and buy a wedge of crescent cheese
            to feed our curiosity. 

Magic sand from bright Atlantis 
    gathered on the night she sank;
        pink and soft and sparkling 
            along the beach beneath your feet. 

Just for you, I’d put to tune
    the favorite tales of Mother Yew.
        Then I’d serenade you right
            beside the yearning tides that rise. 

Tablets from Minoan Crete
    to translate every sort of speech:
        French to Chicken, you to me,
            to Orca, Puppy, Bumblebee! 

I’d charm in a humidor
    the first whirling desert storm
        that taught the dervishes to spin,
            so we can dance as if we’re wind. 

I’d call breezes from the sea
    to cool you every evening,
        scented with the gentle hints 
            of wintermint and hyacinth.  

Dewdrops from the summer grass
    I’d kindle in our lover’s bath;
        cast the dragonfire’s heat
            to blush the color of your cheeks. 

As we writhe and rush and rise 
    with all the cries of love and life,
      I’d summon up a passioncane
            to cover us in crashing waves! 

Then we’d whisper afterwards
    the seven most romantic words 
        the Poet spoke the first time 
            she figured out that she could rhyme. 

Easing into sleep, we’d dream,
    serenely lingering between 
        the worlds we already know,
            and everywhere we want to go. 

As we rise, I’d call the light
    and beg the spectrum, “Please divide, 
        and paint a sunrise cabaret,”
            awakening our happy day. 

You are my one cherished love,
    deserving of the gifts above.
        Though they aren’t within my reach,
            you can count on these from me… 

            Safety, trust and honesty,
        commitment, curiosity,
    humor, patience and respect,
forgiveness, touch and tenderness. 

            Passion, laughter, partnership,
        all the love I have to give,
    compassion, vulnerability,
my belief in all your dreams. 

            Faithfulness, empathy,
        mindfulness and clarity,
    stability, kindliness,
integrity and confidence. 

            I know it to be cliche,
        but I’m grateful every day
    that you, are just as you are;
you’re my brightest shooting star. 

            Together, we’ll make our own
        amazing gifts within our home.
    The greatest exploration starts   
inside our loving opened hearts. 

            I don’t have Atlantis sand,
        tides won’t answer my command,
    but I’ll look into your eyes 
as if you’re magic, all the time. 

Lee DeNoya - Atlanta 2021