Engraved

I love that my parents
inscribed
the back of a gold wristwatch
for my 21st birthday
it made it so special and rare

do we only inscribe jewelry?

the inscriptions on trophies
and plaques seem
too frivolous,
presumptuous,
crass,
except an Oscar

hidden inscriptions
inside a locket
inside a bracelet
seem much more
quiet

I can’t get rid of my watch
because of that inscription

I have a pen that no longer writes
but is inscribed with
my husband’s ordination date

I have a bracelet
engraved for my 16th birthday,
seems if I get rid of it
a memory or photo
will also disappear

and it’s always about love,
who engraves something
if not from love?

it means someone made an effort
someone took
a normal object
and made a statement

I love you

tucked away somewhere
not seen everyday
but so forever

because you can’t erase
an engraving
you can’t make it
disappear
you’d have to melt
it down
and remake the object

this secret love
hugs your body tight
or hides in your cupboard
Is it what you reach for
if you are evacuating a fire?

is it replaceable?

engraving
inscribing
carving

will that tree still bear
the carving of E loves B?
when the tree falls will
E still love B?

that ephemeral valentine
is also an inscription
and it’s a proclamation
for the world to find

a different kind
of whispering
“I love you”

is whatever’s whispered
more precious than
what is spoken
or yelled?

is that watch
forever a story
even if
melted or buried?

we love whatever
is inscribed

carve my love
on my own heart,
forever

Ev Ward
Feb 27, 2025, a misty, foggy, dull winter day with drizzle and an election