For Suzi

I will remember for the distance,
Your first forlorn, enchanting cry.
A sound that stalled each hurried movement.
And made all other matters, 'By the by'.

Your breath pushed forth to blanket me,
To taste and disbelieve, then drink you in.
A sensory concoction primed to strike,
You came into my world and nullified my sins.

My world transformed forever,
That one moment that you cried for me.
And all else that had unloaded prior,
Just a shit coloured pot-pouri.

Enriched in a measure of fathoms,
Enticed by the weight of the earth.
You surrounded my head and my heart love
Besotted for all I was worth.

My sweet girl had just feigned introduction,
Pretending to all but the two.
That this amazing appointment was anything normal,
That day when I clapped mind on you.

Fourteen brightly pink, stunning inches,
Held out in a courteous display.
Though did not dare to reach out and touch you,
Lest harsh reality should snatch you away.

Beyond all the greed, my old selfish companion,
I became absolutely aware
That this daughter of mine, snuggled tight to my bosom,
Was indeed for the whole world to share.

From that moment I knew that to love is to cherish,
To rise above all that all that descends,
Just a walk in our minds, and we instantly embrace,
Two of the worlds greatest friends.

What you are and who you are,
Is everything to me.
Your history can stay mystery,
There are privacies I do not need to see.

My disbelief, myself, my soul,
Back living where the black roses grow.
You came on in with your knowing grin,
And Girl how you let me know.

More than this you bring to me,
A feeling not unlike serene
Where the slate full of pointless, tragic memories,
Is permanently and instantly wiped clean.

Our love an infallible circle,
Without gesture or pretence or style.
Full of courage, and loyalty and beauty,
And a strength to outweigh all denial.

There were times when my heart felt the burden,
When there just became nowhere to hide.
And all that attached me to this world,
Having you steadfastly by my side.

My darling you enchant me completely,
The defences are thoroughly breeched.
For this soldier out there, in the coldest of trenches,
The cavalry have finally reached.

You hold me to life without any awareness,
Give me feelings that cannot be described.
The drug that you offer, to counteract history,
Is most tenderly, warmly prescribed.

My love may your journey be brimful of wisdom,
Of a measure to shield you from pain.
Where despite this strange life and peculiar lessons,
Your heart and your dignity remain.

I love you until the morning,
When the loving will begin anew.

Neil Graham Marsden.