To my darling Toni

One Year
Hard to tell when it started, history seemed so sublime

Few could have guessed this moment, its path undefined

Surmised a lifetime, waiting in its prime

Yet in the end it existed, it was a matter of time

A girl of the earth, warm and kind

Caring for its creatures and family, her state of mind

Radiance surrounded her, a gentle glow that shined

Adored for what she believed, her journey defined

A deep love for each other, soulmates for all time

They awoke one Year ago, hands and legs interwined

Bedsheets warm and ruffled, on their skin telltale signs

Lines criss-crossed their bodies, remnants of how they had reclined 

Eyes locked on each other, loving smiles appeared

A new Year was soon beginning, hopes and dreams were near

Resolutions were pending, their plans seemed clear

Two hearts joined together, each one of the them dear

The sunlight caressed her, a morning stretch ensued

Her fingers chased along precious curves, awakening places subdued

A chance glance at her breast, the avenues of bedlines were viewed

An inward dimple among them, out of place and then reviewed

Gentle touches in her softness, new lines on her face

The bedlines seemed invited, but not in this place

An unexpected firmness, more than a trace

Perhaps it was nothing, must be the case

A sequence of visits, concerns needed to rest

A comment from one, should not be there at best

How could this be, surely it must be in jest

Yet there it was, we chose to detest

The radiance dimmed, life's vibrant colors turned to greys

Smiles were displaced, tears streamed throughout the days

This Year was not planned, it took a different way

Life changed forever, all seemed of dismay

New faces introduced, opinions were tossed

At first just one side, but then perhaps both lost

Tests just kept coming, decisions and costs

Time was dragging on, feelings were crossed

It planted itself, a very familiar place

In life's nuturing duct, as typically the case

Yet it was not satisfied, it needed more space

Consuming the woman, its goal of disgrace

New lines and marks appeared, the lines totalled three

One had to be twice done, its hunger on a spree

The girl of radiance, courageous as could be

Had reminders of her journey, she just wanted to be free

The race was on, chemistry and atoms flew

A compassionate nurse attended to her, a weekly situational brew

A series of daily pills, more than just a few

Provided balance to the poison, giving her a chance to renew

Changes were subtle, thankfully few

Some hair disappeared, but enough stayed true

The velvety skin darkened, fair became reddened in hue

Her favorite oatmeal was bland, tasted like cardboard and glue

Through it all she worked, building planes for the skys

Perhaps best in the end, she kept herself occupied

Exhaustion was frequent, but she kept a weathered eye

She did not want it to rule her, it simply had to die

That Year has passed, friends and family close by

The love of my life, still strong by my side

Her future is promising, a new Year aligned

Radiant once more, forever grateful she is mine