Painting a love story

You know something
I never realized how much 
I was in love with you.
It wasn’t roses moonlight or
diamond rings.
It was the vision of an old house
with a neat white fence.
You with your shirt off.
Digging the flower beds.
I was watching from the window
Wearing an apron with a
Beware of the cook she bites logo
baking cookies
I saw you playing soccer with our
Three kids so reassuring
even when they were hopeless at it.
Pictures formed of you leaving for work
On cold winters mornings tired
But stopping to kiss me and whisper
Have a good day love.
Of you falling asleep on the sofa after dinner
A cute puppy sat between us.
Even after decades I could see you 
holding my hand with its age spots
As we strolled slowly in the park
Breathing the rich fragrance
Of the red autumn leaves.
Then falling asleep in our bed
My head on your chest as always.
As your hand held my hair from my eyes.
I  did not need money and diamonds my lover.
You got me with your artwork
Painting in my heart a canvas so rich and warm
Of a beautiful life yet to be lived.
With a value beyond all worldly wealth.