He says upon waking, looking outside
to behold the day’s first light

on morning waves, soft clouds losing
their blush as the sun takes over,

revealing a ruler-straight horizon
separating the lightest sky blue

from the sea’s definitive marine blue
morphing into near shore deep turquoise.

“Another beautiful day,” he’ll say later,
even as we’re caught in a sudden shower

on the beach, taking temporary refuge
under a dripping hau tree, as we wait

for the precipitation to pass, for our
old friend sun shooting through clouds

to dry us. In truth, they’re all beautiful days,
these extras he’s been given—ones

I gratefully share no matter the weather.
So now, when I hear this bit of cheer

in his voice, even when he’s teasing,
my heart responds with every beat,

“Even more beautiful, dearest, because
I get to share this day with you.”