This is for Jim. With all the hurts inflicted by people in the world, you are the one person . . .well, it is just fitting. Perfect.

Long-Felt Desires

by Louise Labé

Long-felt desires, hopes as long as vain—

sad sighs—slow tears accustomed to run sad

into as many rivers as two eyes can add,

pouring like fountains, endless as the rain—

cruelty beyond humanity, a pain

so hard it makes compassionate stars go mad

with pity: these are the first passions I’ve had.

Do you think love could root in my soul again?

If it arched the great bow back again at me,

licked me again with fire, and stabbed me deep

with the violent worst, as awful as before,

the wounds that cut me everywhere would keep

me shielded, so there would be no place free

for love. It covers me. It will pierce no more.

To Jim and Amelie

I love you both . . .

New Morning

By Bob Dylan

Can't you hear that rooster crowing ?

Rabbit running down across the road

Underneath the bridge where the water flows through

So happy just to see you smile

Underneath the sky of blue

On this new morning, new morning

On this new morning with you.

Can't you hear that motor turning

Automobile coming into style

Coming down the road for a country mile or two ?

So happy just to see you smile

Underneath the sky of blue

On this new morning, new morning

On this new morning with you.

The night passed away so quickly

It always does when you're with me.

Can't you feel that sun a-shinning ?

Ground hog running by the country stream

This must be the day when all of my dreams come true

So happy just to be alive

Underneath the sky of blue

On this new morning, new morning

On this new morning with you.

So happy just to be alive

Underneath the sky of blue

On this new morning, new morning

On this new morning with you

New morning ...

Happy Mother's Day!

Jim and I with Amelie and our nieces, Kyleigh and Ella.