for Arlene


...my sustuh,

your worth can't
be calculated
in any currency

there is no
abacus, no measure
accurate enough
to determine

how much...you deserve
how many...you serve
how often...you swerve
how tight...your verve


lady...

you came head first
into this life
and immediately
commanded
attention

your crown
adorned with
locks thick
your skin,
smooth,
your heritage
rich

girlfriend...

the wind may
sometimes press
against your
face
but God blessed
you with
natural rhythm
and grace

and you need not
underestimate
your gifts
the very words
you write
edifies and uplifts


lil sis...

when he whispered
his mind
shared a piece
of his soul
it was but the prelude
to his emotional whole

and the half has not
begun to be told

....

Queen...

your treasures
are worth much
more than the pound,
rubles, marks,
or francs
what you have cannot
be contained in banks...

if

he brings
completion
to your
work of art...

you're
all the money
you need
to have his heart...