Technically, this photo misses the mark: the netting needs to be erased; the birds’ wings are barely distinguishable from their bodies; their eyes aren’t visible.

Nevertheless, I love the photo because it symbolizes to me decades-strong love. We all have some background years we might want to erase or at least blur a bit. Our bodies have lost definition: curves uncurving; muscles relenting. We’ve learned to turn a blind eye when necessary. These two lovebirds affirm  what matters most — sitting quietly on a branch with my beloved, nestling wing to wing, leaning in for a tender kiss.  Avian or human, that’s what it’s all about.

photo courtesy of Debra Darvick