Muy querida y estimada Ma-ri-lyn
It sounds like music from a vio-lin.
Even with house painting, chores and more
Your compliments are genuine and galore.
What joy on "viejo Armando.," you ever bestow.
Everything seems, like gentle brooks, that flow.
"Tomorrow never comes" for me in despair.
If it brings a tear, its companions are sunshine and fresh air.
They invite me to walk along our treasured Memory Lane
To remember the past, a feature which is not in-vane.
Your recent arrivals, I quickly find and devotedly meet:
A saintly "Praying Grandma" who lives for others, & in reality
Supplies a "realm of sunshine and smiles" to those without serenity.
Your newly arrived poetry, music, songs, soothe "heart(s)& soul(s)"
And blend beautifully with treasures our Memory Lane holds.
Here, your "thoughts, reflections & inspirations"are at home.
In our existing ancient castle, they can occupy the rooms of Rome.
Our Memory Lane stretches along a high mountain plateau.
It is flanked by trees of all varieties, many are tall, others are low.
They nestle birds that now sing "cantinela" ballads to stars above
To honor the recently transplanted "Jesus Tree" they seem to love.
With prayers and chants learned as a boy, I now visit this altar.
Thanks to you, it has turned out to be a newly acquired Portal.
What treasures are preserved in our nonagenarian Memory Lane! :
Bundles of love, bestowed and received, not in vain,
Family devotions and cares, like an endless chain;
Students, friends, colleagues, et al -- have honored us like a
musical refrain!
And what can we say, about our professional fortunes?
Successes and rewards were not expected,
But they were humbly received, honored and respected.
Our Good Lord has kept us in his company
And especially now, we are not left lonely.
Do you wonder why, when moments are heavily laden,
I, alert, and my dear Laura in silence faded, turn to our joys
not abated?
