What Is?   The garbage, the compost, all things that reek — I try to do my bit. Scrubbing the pots, shoveling dirt, squirting oil into creaky hinges, making things work — if it’s not so badly broken, I fix it or figure it out. When you want a box, I build you a box; when you want a hole, I dig you a hole. Whenever you’re feeling chilled, I fetch your favorite blanket; when you get too hot, I open a window. I know enough to shut up when your heart is set. Whenever you’re brilliant, I tell you so, but if you mess up, I give you the business — and baby, if that’s not love, what is?                                                                  for Marti     © Michael Fleming Brattleboro, Vermont February 2024