The other night we went out – it was a week night!!

We planned it just right 

I drank iced coffee so I could stay up past 8

My schedule was thrown off but I gotta tell you, my love, the evening was great 

Sometimes I feel like we’re living an old song by George Strait 

I’m still your bride 

And you, you’re my groom, always – my zeal and pride 

Things are different in our late 30s than they were in our early 20s

We’re always in a hurry and for some reason little’s funny

We both love cheese but I don’t like a wedge 

We’re better at zooming out 

Sometimes we’re ships in the night 

But I remember my pledge 

And you do too 

I still feel at times those butterflies

They’re older now too, like me and you

But also so beautifully intricate

They stir up even when we just sit

Like Wednesday night when we joined the local runners downtown 

We’re still running, even at dusk

I told you I love the sound – of the shoes on the asphalt coming down

I pointed at the sky and yelled, “The moon!”

You ooood and awed too 

But we both realized it was just a grayish white satellite

Hahaha – we both laughed 

A stranger in the group did too 

At the end of four miles you and I broke away at the corner to do a mini race

What do you know, I still make you chase

Hahaha!

Back to the brewery, I giggled the whole way

Though we were sweaty, you asked to take me to dinner

And I said, “Okay”

We walked the two blocks, post-run

In mid-October among the Halloween lights it felt like splendor

At that little restaurant we opted for the outdoor seating

We sat at the picnic table and my spirit was gleaming 

Just to be with you – out 

And I thought of our marriage I am proud 

But I don’t need a microphone 

Nah, just being with you – alone 

I told you I was getting cold 

And you got us a seat next to the fire pit 

Sure, others were around 

But you leaned in for a kiss 

Hahaha 

It was like again we were kids 

Just seeing the present, the way a dog would

Not the fact that our house is a wreck

Or what bill is due next

Nah. We talked about our burgers instead 

You got the one with cheddar; me, feta 

You know, I’d been praying for this

You looked at me and said, “You can’t eat all those brussel sprouts, I betcha”

Just minutes later my basket was clean

I told you, “This means you buy the ice cream”

You smiled and left then came back with two cones

The benefits of being a runner – we both know 

My spirit was warmed by you and that fire’s glow 

Remember our honeymoon cruise 

We ate so much and took pictures of the food

I can’t wait till January 2026 to do another with you

With you 

With you – I want to run, to laugh, to gaze at satellite-moons 

And to dine, to fight, to love 

You, my groom, after all these years – still have me 

Among the butterflies and fire pits 

Thanks for our date – I relished it

You make me most happy