marty is at her most spectacular minutes, moments even, after waking. she will argue this to the end but for me, that is when my marta's quintessential beauty is at its peak. no makeup. no brushing (of hair or teeth). no coordinated wardrobe. just the rosy flush of her skin from a night's rest and a bed's warmth. i've been telling her this for more than twenty years and she has been shushing my morning compliments for that same span.

i accept it is an impasse we may never resolve, but as long as i get to start my days next to this natural wonder, it is a daily failure i'm happy to shoulder.