july, 1983

fast-forward twenty years
will I forget? our first kiss
on the steps of Notre Dame
exchanging secret tender words
on the telephone, a daily
postcard during our separation
that night I returned from work
and you appeared out of the blue,
my fairy tale prince, on my doorstep
your green eyes filled with joy
with love, the ultimate surprise
the color of our life suddenly turned
from grays to motion picture grandeur

I relive the sensual anticipation of
each and every one of those
fifteen hours from Paris to Berlin
endless trips to rediscover our flames
your strong passionate arms holding me
for days on end, rewarding my patience
unable to share your nightly kisses
quelling my fears of losing you
to time’s sand trickling inevitably…
but this was your only unshared secret

no, I have forgotten nothing of our life
not the astonishing intensity of our love
our hand-in hand companionship
nor the tinge of regret in your soft voice
as you bid me a last farewell that july
no, I have not forgotten destiny’s treachery
when later on a windy october day
I read your earth-shattering funeral notice
in the newspaper – you told me nothing
choosing to die without my love

flash back to then, twenty years ago
tears still swell in my eyes
thinking of your sweet devotion
no, I can never forget



july, 1983
[2007.23.8…b]