THE relationship between Anne-Marie Hess and Dr. David Rabkin has always been poetry in progress.

They met at an Upper West Side restaurant in December 2002, striking up a conversation as she waited for a group of friends; he was awaiting pals of his own.

Dr. Rabkin thought Ms. Hess was pretty and asked her on a date to the American Museum of Natural History, to see an Albert Einstein exhibition and one featuring live butterflies. They both learned they had an affection for poetry, and the butterflies would soon provide their inspiration.

After several dates they began writing their poem together through e-mail exchanges.

He contributed a stanza:

And just when he thought it was too beautiful for one space-time confluence

A cloud of butterflies dancing in bluegreen splendor rounded the corner

To which she added:

And he, sincere and with an air of ceaseless wonder