Against the Nightwind (from Birdhouses of the Heart)

It came so deeply, so unexpectedly
while I was practicing arpeggios
against the nightwind

Suddenly all theory sank into blank parchment
as I sat staring at my music
unable to strum twelve simple chords

why do I wear you like sheet music
a melody once borrowed,
now mine to keep?

You are my song sung forward
into spring, whistling words
that promise love and laughter
like shiny new strings on an ebony guitar

I am where I have never been
caught at fifty in love for the second time
younger than ever
my heart beating in allegro