too goober. Clothespins aren't
on a couple's wish list,
aren't sexy or futuristic.

But clothespins from a divorcee's
viewpoint are miracles: each half
always embracing and sharing the steel

heart. Even with
red drawers in their mouth, they keep
sucking that kiss.

No separating them--Siamese,
true love. But it's
a clothespin that also reminds

you lovers can't take for granted
their luck, especially not
on days sparkling out in the sun.

It's pretty days, and not the wet
ones, when the invisibilities are
most likely to pry love apart.

Those married fifty years
bowling the sun, rowing the storms,
deserve something most rare--

a gold clothespin
for the clothesline
fifty years long.