Kingdom of Marriage

Kingdom of connections
fashioned broad and deep

inlaid for many years
with intricate minutiae

rooted substantially
in geography of place

populated expansively
by blended genealogies

appended pasts to futures
analogous and disparate

boundaries overrun
beyond original ones

compromise, affection
important compass points

for navigating jointly
this intimately lived-in terrain.

Lioness's Cub

Charmingly costumed
in shaggy cub disguise

intrepid adventurer
in quadrupedal phase

lion-hearted is she
steadfastness in action

mild roars on occasion
exulting in successes

ever exploratory
expanding her domain

confidently ready
for new, bipedal agenda.