Because Of You

The first time I went camping,
it was on our wedding trip.
The air mattress you gave me
was the one that had the rip.
-
Then we joined your parents
on a romantic San Juan Isle.
Your Dad wielded his machete
in his inimitable style.
-
The machete found my fingers,
filling me with pain and chills,
so we went to Anacortes
for some stitches and pain pills.
-
As I lay there on that gurney,
you passed gas, then crossed the room.
The nurse came in and frowned at me
as she sensed your sweet perfume.
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Then you fed me nettles,
it was mint, as per your word.
Then we made love in a hayloft,
which caused the nettles to be cured.
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This was the first week of our marriage,
I should have cut and run.
But if I had turned chicken,
I'd have missed a lot of fun.
-
I must be masochistic,
because I still am here.
Thirty one years later,
I still live in constant fear.
-
I never know what to expect,
each day is something new.
I'm a very happy woman,
my dear, because of you.