The marriage-bed is the center of happiness,
a point from which all things ripple outward,
a nest from which all things learn to fly.
It is the sign of return, part of the great rhythm
of the seasons and of the years.
It is the dream of return, the strength and faith
that sing of home.
It is the wren’s nest woven [...]

By Diane Lockward
From Eve’s Red Dress, copyright 2003
Today I dress for you
in scarlet. I am
a tomato, plump
and luscious. I pulsate
with seeds.
Today I clothe myself
in yellow. I am
a peach, succulent
and ripe.
For you, I swathe myself
in gold. I am
all melons, oranges,
tangerines, nectarines.
I am a garden of earthly delights.
I am the red apple
you would fall for
a thousand times.
I [...]