from a shop window
beckons a glint of green—
a shade she likes, more yellow than blue
some might say avocado
no, fresher than that—a hint of bravado
how is it I knew?
by the dishes and bowls
that on the kitchen shelves abound
a vase on the table, two glazed casseroles…
...but back to that window (my how I digressed)
it was two days before Christmas
when that green caught my eye
I thought—this—is a test—
a sweater and camisole--
identically colored
like that tabletop vase she always keeps flowered--
I walk in the store, pull out my wallet
this is no time to act like a coward
there now it’s over, how good does it feel
though I know better ways to show love is real
still a gift such as this provides some assurance—
a payment in kind, of marriage insurance