Water under the bridge
True as you say
there is a great deal
of water rushing under
our bridge
Yet, seems to me
that as long as we
are standing on the
bridge looking at
the water –
as long as we
take care
neither to fall nor dive in –
I believe
I believe
I still continue to believe - that
we can cross to the other side
Together.
The water flowing
Sparkling … forward
After all.
Everlasting
She was twenty he twenty-two new wedding bands on fingers
to the islands they flew
Landed and she entranced pulled into irresistible dance after a day or
two in her soul a certainty knew … she called home:
Bride to her father
Hi Daddy, yes all is well – I need to talk to you
Things are not just okay – they are fantastic
As soon as I stepped off plane it felt like I was home
we’re going to stay
A second or two ticked by frangipani air
sweet and heavy drifted in from the open veranda
there she sat on the edge of the bed - a stream of hotel
AC lifted her just from the beach- showered hair –
she took a sip of her frozen drink – waiting for him to think -
his answer came swift and fast –
its portent intended and would everlast
“Baby, said he, is there a cemetery in town?”
Yes right in the center down
“When you hang up go there and take a walk around inhale deep and see
it comes awfully fast - follow your dream and be ..
I love you”
Her heart swelled –breath caught, tears fell
To be understood and loved so true, so deep and well
By a father who could let her go
Though the decision had to be a shock you know.
Groom to his mother
Mom, Hi …
Uh , fine, yep having a good time
Uh, Ma we figured maybe – Uh we’re going to stay
The receiver drops
“No No No … No way!
Hang the sheets on the mirrors my son is dead to me “ *
Her newly minted father-in-law picked up the conversation -
“Your mother is upset she thought you were just on vacation
Take care of yourself you hear
Goodbye call and ask for yourself it’s long distance the cost is dear” **
She could hear the wailing as he hung up the phone
Lit a cigarette, poured a drink, picked up a towel and walked out alone
She understood the love thrumming in both those calls
the winds of support the wails of pain
It all washes over her, warm and refreshed time and time again
Parenthood -Love – Life - all right there….
Spilling, sparkling, in Caribbean air
*A Jewish tradition of mourning included covering mirrors with sheets
** In the days long prior to cell-phones when long distances rates exorbitant for many – some devised a method of letting a caring party know of an arrival by calling ‘collect’ and asking for oneself.
