Connected

Young
their pinkies intertwined
while sitting atop the monkey-bars.

The heartbeat
beneath his chest
humming underneath a blanket
in the back of his pick-up truck

One went to college.
The other stayed home, comfortable.
Other people came and went;
they both changed
they both learned.

A visit back home,
a holiday parade,
and a simple, “Hello.”
Three years later,
eye contact beneath a white veil.
They exchanged promises and ‘I do’s.’

Four children later:
high school diplomas, cars, and college ceremonies…
the gift of grandchildren come along.
Their laughter, innocence, and excitement
revive their aged bodies.
Although, when the silence consumes their surroundings
the reach of his leg to rest his foot against hers
reminds them of where they’ve been
and where they are now,
still connected.