Confiserie Delicés

for Sarah

Returning to New York

from France, encumbered

with all your old and new

clothes, paraphernalia, art

supplies, and souvenirs,

you thought of us, and

brought us dark chocolate

pralines. We’ve savoured

each one, (and in true Heveron

tradition, one petite piece remains).

We also thought of you,

exploring old Europe,

learning the fine points of

French, the customs, attitudes,

and anecdotes you’ll remember

forever in your mind.

We envisioned you laughing

in Paris, like Audrey

Hepburn in Sabrina.

Someday you will tell your

stories – (l’intrigue!), show

your sketches, -- (le croquis!),

write un mémoire merveilleux

of that notable year. I would

love to know which moment

stands out in your mind, like

a framed old photograph,

which speaks to your soul.

I know that you accomplished

something huge, and amazing.

And I know you kept our love

in your pocket, like a lucky

worn coin. And when you

came back, with a slightly

new smile on your face,

you gave us sweet chocolate.

After Valentine's ay

for Emma

Having given up

the charade of

freshness, of

forecasting Spring,

long-stemmed

mauve tulips

sagged, their

wide heads hung

over the side of the

proud little vase,

nearly touching

the cool marble

table, seeking

release.

“You pansies,”

I laughed,

wondering whether

to grab my camera

or pen. I checked

the light coming in.

Beside the beaten

blossoms,

an unopened

heart-shaped tin,

held foil-covered

Ferraro chocolates.

This gift from tender

teenaged hands --

glistened

with promise.