Present Poem by Robin Perkins

It was two years ago -
I bought you a bench
On Fifth, Central Park Zoo
With a brass plaque

And inscription: Tempo
'Quiet steps of dew, forty
Moonlit nights this bench will
Hold all seasons.'

What shall I get for you?
Perhaps - at forty-two,
Lots of white gardenias
And sapphire blue -

Evergreens, chestnut trees,
Pink, pale yellow roses,
(Hope you don't mind the bees!)
And more hoses -

Add some cherry blossoms,
By the backyard white gate,
Hyacinths, rhododendrons -
Gifts for that date!