Happy Birthday Sweet Mary
By Don Iannone

You never cease to amaze me,
with all that you are and you do.
There is little wonder,
why I so very much love you.

You awaken each morning
from your magical cocoon.
My heart burns without warning,
like an ever bright full moon.

My day seems so empty without you,
sometimes I forget who I am.
With your return my heart does renew,
just to see and touch you, my gem.

Love poems don't come easy,
except when they are true.
Our love is never queasy,
it holds us together like glue.

It's that time of year again
to honor you and your birth.
In my heart you reign,
I put you above everything on earth.

Happy birthday sweet Mary,
May this day shine with sun.
And in my heart I will carry
love that never can be undone.

Barbra Streisand in Our Nation’s Capital
By Don Iannone

Her first time back in concert
after twenty-seven long years.
At first sight,
the crowd exploded in applause.
One of the longest standing ovations
we’ve seen for anyone—
much longer than for any President.
Barbra sang her heart out—
putting her all into each reminiscent song.
Songs from her early beginning on the Ed Sullivan Show
and throughout her songbird career.
Bringing back the memories of the way we were,
and reminding us how we are even today.
A few political observations shared,
but mostly just musical notes,
pouring through a still pure voice.
Occasionally pushing back
her shoulder length blonde hair,
mesmerizing awestruck fans,
who traveled from as far as Ireland,
and beyond—
just to see Barbra Streisand live
in concert in Washington, DC.
She brought laughter,
and she brought tears,
but most of all tremendous cheers.
A lifelong dream for my wife Mary—
to see Barbra perform live.
Finally her dream has come true.
Even a special experience for me—
until now only a lukewarm fan.
Somehow her voice seems to reach you—
deep inside where only the heart can go.

Last of Summer Garden Moments
By Don Iannone

Butterflies
in blue-orange scarves
dance heavy
into the chilly morning air.
A weatheredly handsome warty toad
hiding under tear-stained leaves
readies himself
for one last quiet meal.
Impetuous black-eyed susans stand
like naked sailors on deck
waiting for orders to ship-out.
Summer nearing its acapella end
with head bowed in reverent stillness
gives last rites to all
that must make room for winter's eve.

A Summer Love Poem for Mary
By Don Iannone

We walked and we wandered
so far from our given path at birth,
We strayed and we pondered
why we are here on this earth,
So many suns have risen and set
I cannot remember,
Until that morning we met
on that fateful day in November,
Days seemed uncommonly long
before we spent one together,
And now we sing our song
how we'll last forever,
Two tiny summer fireflies
we'll be till the very end,
Lost for an eternity in blue skies,
and then hand in hand we ascend.

Sedona Rainbow
Dedicated to Mary
By Don Iannone

The rain will fall so love it all
In the distance, wild birds call,
You, like a magical rainbow, appear
Bringing undying hope and good cheer,
Days and night blur happy as larks
Soaring high leave their marks,
High school melodies sweet to the touch
Never one I've loved so much,
Eagerly await each precious moment we share
Nothing much else do we care,
Sixteen years together we've been
Never a better time, I can't think when,
Ahead we think, but today we live
More and more we have to give,
On this 24th day of June you shall always be
A Sedona rainbow just for me.

Photo Credit: Rainmaker's Art