her rowing across the lake

it's a place

that's safe, the safest

place in the house,

it's a place

where

i put anything of great

value,

or anything i have no

use for,

and yet can't throw away.

i need a stool

to reach it, or a ladder,

or chair.

it's the cabinet above

the fridge

unreachable.

awkwardly there.

a crock pot is 

on the shelf,

fondue skewers.

an enormous wooden

salad fork

and spoon.

gifts from a distant

past.

and finally,

a picture of you rowing

across the lake.

it's a smile i'll treasure,

a golden

ray that will never fade,

but last.