What is love?  

 I loved Larry in third grade.

He pulled my hair and grabbed my hand

yelling,  catch me if you can.

 I loved David when I was fourteen. 

I loved his jaw.  I loved his laughter.

I loved his hands as he taught me to fish.

What is love?

I loved Bill at first sight.

Dark horse in a dark bar.

I loved him from afar.

Once I told him

you don't know me but you will,

and he did

and we did.

What is love?

I loved Miller on the farm

in the morning light

pulling on boots

preparing for the day.

Tall, steady as a rock,

I thought my soul

would rest with him

'til death do. 

And I loved Mark

although he thought not

always. 

Except the time we

drank goosenecks

sitting on a slanted shelf

while waiting in O'Hare,

sure then and 

knowing when 

What is love?

I loved Potoskee colors,

but more than that

the avatar I saw

in lone passing

that said I am 

an observant man

drinking coffee,

 drinking gin,  

 living underground,

creating, unpredictable.

What is love?

I loved the glass man in his shop.

His soft eyes settling on my face, 

studying.  His gentle grief

and almost touch goodbye

as he bade me come back soon

humming  This is your life, our time 

When we are together, I need you forever