Written for dVerse Poets – Unlock With Lists.
Our host, Björn, invites us to get creative with
the use of lists. Here’s where the prompt took me.
Sorts the darks from the lights.
Folds.
Navigates the grocery store aisle by aisle,
puts everything away in the right place
without asking where.
Drives. Waits. Drives home.
Prepares the plate.
Cuts everything into pieces small enough to manage…
the chicken, the roll, this “thing” we didn’t expect.
Twists open the water bottle.
Pries the lid from the Häagen-Dazs
(the little one, the good kind) without a word.
Ties the drawstring.
Smooths the Band-Aid flat.
Buttons what needs buttoning.
Does the thing, then the next thing,
then the thing after that …. all the small, unglamorous,
necessary things that two hands would do without thinking.
Never sighs.
Never keeps score.
Never makes it feel like anything other than just an act of love.
Fifty-four years in, and I am learning what I already knew:
this is what love looks like from the inside.
This is my husband.
NAR©2026
Nancy’s Notes: As most of you know, I have had three surgeries and have been unable to use my dominant hand for the last seven months, having to rely on my husband for so many things, big and small. This poem names a few of those things, but it isn’t just a list; it’s an acknowledgement of his unwavering and unconditional encouragement, support, and love. I’d be miserable without him.
This is “You’ve Got A Friend” by James Taylor
Everything on The Elephant’s Trunk was created by me, unless otherwise indicated. Thanks for your consideration. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 