Second Wednesday of Advent

Please read Hosea 2:14-15

when we would quickly

insert the key in the door,

offering our cheeks

for the briefest of pecks

before uttering a quick goodnight,

you smile and simply

say, "i'll give you a call

tomorrow" -

so come;

when the server stops by

to warm up your coffee

for the seventh time in an

hour and a half, remarking,

'isn't this the fourth or fifth

night they haven't shown up?'

you hand him the bill

with a double-tithed tip,

whispering (as much to yourself)

"that's okay;

i'm good at waiting" -

so come;

when we've packed up all

your blessings, and put them

out on the front porch

with a note that reads

'if you have anything more to say,

do it through the lawyer,'

you send two dozen red roses,

along with a singing telegram:

"I've grown accustomed

to your face" -

so come;

come,

Wooer of our hearts,

with love as soft

as a baby's breath,

come!

(c) 2009 Thom M. Shuman