is often softness. Fabrics: a silky, warm scarf
snugged around your neck, a fleece nightgown,
velvety sweater, the supple nap of flannel
or cotton sheets, fluffy blanket. The sooth
of beauty, kindness of color: a bouquet
of purple, robin’s egg blue, orange; your nails
manicured a pearl-white polish. The pleasure
of wearing your favorite jewelry: wedding rings,
handed-down four-leaf clover earrings. The solace
of memory: the loose waves of your mother’s hair,
her tender blue-gray eyes,
the fine wrinkles of her hand.
