Alone.
Never had much time for Chat,
nor the required motivation
for personal complication,
it seemed not worth the fuss.
Too shy. But let's suppose:
Two people, one silent dream.
Lived 5 thousand miles apart,
and had never met, but when
they did, flashed instantly
in smiles from the heart?
Inseparable.
Ha! Not likely!
Let's take a look behind that story.
Not having met
does not mean they did not know each other.
In fact,
even people who have grown up together
do not know each other's inner person.
He did not know that she felt affinity--
She could not imagine that he--
Just friends.
They had not exchanged pictures.
How might it be?
Message received.
He would attend.
If she could but predict
that yes she can go on "as if,"
As if there were not roses
and magic in the air,
birdsong ruffling her hair...
This is one very special guy.
If only she could know
her eyes wouldn't glow!
But we just know they would.
Altogether inappropriate.
Or in the crowd, from afar
if he were there, seeing her,
would he guess that it was
she? And would she know?
They could pass each other
on the street as strangers.
She has no idea of exteriors,
For they have not exchanged
the way they look in mirrors.
Only in spirit is there beauty.
Would she know him even so?
Would his nearness speak?
Would she dare to whisper
"Is it you?" Or would she be
voiceless in her doubting?
And then...and then, if NOT.
She would know that
wishes are not limousines
and loving is no guarantee
that the loved one must appear.
And then . . .
Ah well.
She'll look for him even so
in every group that walks
past her, and if he smiles,
it's just a smile, some hello
that thinks it knows her too.
But if he came!
If he said his name,
and took her hand...
and she said hers
and she took his...
and breathe same air
as hand-circuit closed ...
She will promise as she stands
in sunshine from a thousand
suns, that it would be only he
who'd know,
and fully understand.
And then . . . it happened.
Inseparable. Two people
lived 5 thousand miles apart,
and had never met, but when
they did, flashed instantly
in smiles from the heart.
Stories with happy endings
do sometimes come true.
Terry also known as DeeCrepit
Author notes
It is based on a real event, not my own but we saw it happen.
This is a 2005 prewrite. Even though its number as I copied it from My Page was poem/691189 I wasted what felt like hours (12:55 AM now) trying to locate it on the list provided with this contest. Multiple passes, nothing.
I almost gave up, but hope you enjoy.
A contest entry
- Contest #28 FOR HUGH WYLES FAVORITES ONLY! by huguenauties.
3500 points, ended February 16, 2008, 16 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Social comment on motivations?
Comments
1 - 7 of 7
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Dear Terry,
I always enjoy a good, romantic story and I especially enjoyed the way you wrote this one!
Best of Luck in this contest!
<3 Maureen
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Terry, I once had this unusual experience, but the ending was anything BUT happy. Six months, two letters a day, photos exchanged, but when I met the inner person, nothing!
LOve the line "Only in spirit is there beauty" Truer words were never spoken.
BUT..there indeed was a happy ending, as I got to see a part of the world I would never have seen any other way!
Shana
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An amazing story on invisible love, full of anticipation and doubt. I liked the way your stanzas varied in length and the orphaned lines which slowed down the reader's pace to give time for thought and contemplation. I shall have to try a style like this sometime.
Thank you for pointing this out to me.
alby
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Dear Terry,
As you know Joan and Daughter Sharon are sightseeing around Canterbury with Hugh. Heathcote and Hinemoa have taken off for a holiday down at Milford Sound so I am commenting on behalf of angelica and Hine and will post their votes for them in due cause.
I guess it is possible to recognize someone one has only spoken to and never seen. It would be nice to know they recognized each other and the story has a happy ending, which I see is what happened. The three of us enjoyed reading your lovely poem.
Good luck in the contest.
Jenelda
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Hi M,
"At first sight"? Enthralling thought! I guess so!!
There certainly was a glow about them! They probably were old friends already, but I gathered, not more, which made it so much more exciting!
Terry -
Thank you Jen,
It was a real treat. Both were in their fifties, and long widowed. She lived in Vancouver, he in Nova Scotia, and we were at an event in Winnipeg, about midpoint, the Over-Fifties Club. I wasn't a member but my husband knew them both on the internet, I suppose much as we do here. I went along for the ride, and found a poem.
(I suspect he was not a shy as she was... How many would he have asked...?)
I am so glad you enjoyed!
Terry
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I remember this one from way back. It is possible, because it happened - does that count as "love at first sight"? Love is a privilege to witness; best wishes to them!
Thanks for your entry, best of luck in the contest!
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