on our last holiday

we panned for gold.

tip water in, shake,

gently pour.

releasing dirt,

sand, and pebbles

over and over until

all that was left

were small flecks

of gold

that sit now in a

vial on a shelf in

our room, a reminder

of a time well spent,

–together.

and now i think how

much like us this is.

each time we commit

to dip into the waters

together, more and more

of the things that we

brought with us from

before filters away.

each time we feel the

shake of circumstances,

the grit surrounding us

us loosens and floats

to be cast aside.

every time we address

troubles we face and

choose each other

once again each

and every day,

the sand separates

and departs.

and in this patient,

steady process

we have found

much more

than specks

of gold.

we have found

nuggets solid,

and veins golden

running through

and throughout

the treasure

that makes

up us and

grows more

evident each

day that we

pan this life

–together.

©Heather Pound 2023

Fifteen years ago today, my husband took on not only me, but 4 kids who really needed a dad and has loved them as his own ever since. And life as a couple still just keeps getting better and better!