in thirty-eight years
 he’s made me miracles
 (since before we met)
 
 miracle one: birth–
 an afterthought, late-marriage,
 named-after-dad fourth
 
 miracle two: shy–
 wouldn’t say more than needed
 from grade school on up
 
 miracle three: serve–
 mother, father, siblings, friends,
 country, lovers… wife
 
 miracle four: kids
 who can capture his essence
 in smiles, sweetness
 
 miracle five: love–
 couldn’t come to broken hearts
 till we met. and healed.
 
 miracle six: hope–
 ’cause without him there’d be none.
 happy birthday, Babes.