dear mine

I count the remainder days
of our distance apart
like prayer beads
and watch them slip
through my fingers
slowly as ever.
to keep alive my dying spirit,
I fixed you in the last three pages
of Mandela's long walk to freedom.
no worries,
I kept you there, safe and sound.
But each time I read about Winnie
I am tempted against convention
tempted to look at you
in between the unread pages...
your photo smile
unforced
evergreen
pure as gold
calm as cucumbers
warms my heart