m&d

they sit next to each other 
on our gray couch, 
him in his casual yet crisp button up, 
her in a sharply fitted jacket
and shoes with a bit of a heel. 
there is easy going chatter, 
he pours the last bit of red wine 
into our glasses 
and the night is relaxed and restful.
i watch the way his hand 
reaches  over
to play with a bit of her 
soft strands of hair,
she snuggles in closer.
we talk of spiciness and ministry
we talk of travel and burn out
i float in and out of the conversation 
as i take time to observe them quietly. 
they are a good looking couple
that is obvious.
they've been married for 24 years 
but their affection that slips out 
unconsciously 
makes it seem like less, 
but the wisdom they hold 
tells me it is clearly more. 
for me, 
witnessing them just being 
another married couple
that is still clearly in love 
in all the quiet, simple, yet 
purposeful ways,
gives me hope. 
i struggle in my weakest moments 
if all these years of marriage are 
worth it. 
i don't say that, but i think it 
sometimes.
she looks me in the eye 
with her beautiful ones 
and says  
without knowing 
this is my silent thorny question.
"it's worth it."
i know what 
she 
means.