The Recorder

Carolyn has taken up the recorder

and tootles in far parts of the house. 

A child, a good child, she sounds with this

the depths of my worry and affection. 

What is the age of fearing death?—

Five years since our diagnosis. 

Few problems, countless good times,

relaxed and comfortable, moving times.

And yet it is with us constantly, 

as if we really had to be told

we would not be together forever.