I think of you in colours

I think of you in colours,

That’s how it’s always been.

Sometimes shades of clothes you’ve worn,

Or tones of places that we’ve been.

A photo is ok of course, but really just a preview,

What about if I just need to really see you?

Our favourite life in Amsterdam, a giant haze of misted gold,

Where we became stitched together, at the start of getting old.

If I ever want to glimpse you there, I only have to look,

To the honey-glow of a street lamp, the gilded pages of my book.

Our sacred spot, that little cafe, tiled top-to-toe in salmon pink,

I’m transported to our table there, each time I make a drink.

It’s no coincidence our teacups are the same peculiar shade,

Darling, I hope that you can see now, why I had them specially made.

That time in Paris you wore navy, a great, rich wash of deepest blue,

And it envelopes me still, I’ve chosen bedsheets in that hue.

(Some of my best memories of you).

The majestic Apple Blossom that hangs over our back fence,

Ours though in the neighbour’s garden, you joked we should have paid it rent.

Whenever I feel lost, be sure that’s where I can be found,

Beneath its trailing branches, ivory raining all around,

And straight away I see you, at the end of the church aisle,

Beckoning me on, just the faint hint of a smile.

Our wedding day, a confetti shower of cream:

Your tie, my dress, the snow, together, twirling, spilling as a dream.

And you said nothing would ever trump it, but then we had our boy,

I’m not sure I have the colour to describe that utter joy!

The closest thing I’ve found is silver, a most spectacular flash of light,

That made everything before and since, insignificant in plight.

I only have to strike a match to see him in the spark,

Or glance to your shining wedding band, find the North Star at dark.

You see, to think of you in colours, it was my little trick,

So I’d never have to lose you, not an inch, a single bit.

I’ve tucked away each tiny detail of you both all around,

So I can recall you in a moment, in that moment, safe and sound.