99 years on this earth is a long time to exist. 

"I'm still kickin", he said. 
"Life's worth living", he said. 

Stronger than the "Croatian bunker" he lives where we visit him. 

Lived a life fuller and longer than any page in any book he's ever written. 

And sturdy as the trunk of the tree that's grown since the beginning.

Though struck with an axe, i fear would be less forgiving and might crack. 

But when my mind is clear,
and I smile,
​I see him smiling back.

Sometimes I struggle to find my words. 
Like I'm trying too hard,
or it's something you've already heard. 
So I look for something to help. 

But no poem or book quote, 
no line from a movie spoke, 
could ever explain exactly how I feel about you.

When my actions don't speak
and my words fail to come to me, 
look back at what I wrote.
And you will instantly know
who my heart belongs to.

You're always there when I need you.
And even when I insist that I don't.

You're the light that leads the way, 
the hand that guides the path. 
​
Knowing that you're by my side,
I'm safe anywhere that I am. 

You spin me around and I forget how to dance. 
But you smile into my eyes
And my hand meets your hand. 

My heart feels at home, 
my heads in a trance, 
as you spin me around the kitchen
and I forget how to dance. 

The night is young
and the lights are warm but dim.
we knew all we needed 
were the electric butterflies
​that surrounded me and him.

It's the kind eyes, for me. 
It's the big smile, for me. 
It's the gentle touch and how he makes me feel like enough, 
for me. 

Everything feels brand new.
And I couldn't help but wonder, so
I wanted to ask you, 
Can we just stay like this forever?

But, what is it for you?
The way you can see the sky in her eyes because they're the same shade of blue?
The way you feel "like God put an angel on earth just for you"?
The gentle touch and the way she makes you feel like enough?

It's just you and I. 
And every time I see you feels like the first time. 
I don't have to wonder,
I can just look at you and know, 
that the butterflies aren't ever going away. 

I'm stuck in a moment
When this doesn't feel real. 

I can see you, 
I can hear you, 
I can still even feel. 

Your smile is familiar, 
Your laugh is a dream, 
and when I close my eyes, 
you're still here next to me. 

In a moment in time
my mind plays a trick. 

I just never thought
         I could ever know
                  A love like this. 

Energy comes and goes in waves. 
The road turns and curves in the same way. 

The sun hits me through the window
and it feels warm. 

I can see your face above the words
"objects in the mirror are closer than they appear". 

And even though I can't tell exactly where is "here";
​I know that I'm home.