Quibbling at Lowe’s: a Lesbian Love Poem

we finally get round to the project 

brave Lowe’s on a federal holiday 

parking lot a Darwin’s game 

spots only for the fittest Subaru 

the project in question: 

adding shelves to a closet 

of course we are working in a closet 

both familiar with the inside 

identity concealment

versions of younger selves still becoming from within 

wife recorded measurements 

I researched materials 

talked about this project for months 

planned out each detail 

still spend two hours 

wandering aisles 

far longer than necessary 

always something to see or inspire 

trying to find the metaphor in the mulch options 

I fall in love with her all over again 

the good ache 

comparing galvanized L brackets 

carefully checking the warp of every piece of lumber 

sawdust in her fingerprints 

I study the curve of her tender cheek in aisle 57 

pause to pick out spearmint and basil in the garden department 

take home purple columbines and slow-blooming perennials 

late bloomer 

late to knowing love 

so grateful I found it in her 

press a kiss to her cheek in the hardware aisle 

discuss buying putty since we’re here already 

something to fill all our cracks 

decide to save it for another day 

another Lowe’s trip 

another day where I get to say 

My wife and I…