Most Memorable Meeting

Bill

I know what they say about love at first sight
that it doesn’t happen in real life, it’s a wive’s
tale or some woman’s dream. That’s when I
say, have I got a story for you.

His hair was sandy red, he’d later tell me brown
I saw him that first day at Zayre’s Discount Store
as I was introduced to the man kneeling in the toy
aisle sorting and stacking products for sale.

His corduroy slacks were a tawny color, he’d later
tell me they were his favorite pair, they were stretched
at the knees and made a contrast on that cold slate
tile of the aisle where I found him that first day.

His shirt was an awful mustard color, he’d tell me later
it was a beige polo, some girl told him looked good
with his eyes. That shirt was well worn but clean, it fit
his body well, a body I felt more than I saw.

His eyes were illuminating, brown with gold flecks, he’d later
tell me they were hazel and deny their appeal. When he
looked up at me, and I down at him, I thought my heart
would explode, I’d never felt such a blow.

His smile ambushed me; he’d later tell me it was crooked
I didn’t expect the results of that smile. My body felt
the sensations of a roller coaster when I was afraid
of speed and the dizzying heights.

He stood at the introduction, took my hand in his, he’d say
he had to touch me right then. The moment my hand
touched his huge rough one, I heard it as clear
as day. This is the man I’m going to marry floated
into consciousness, then became a tidal wave.

He asked me for a date several days later, he’d say it was
right away. I said no so many times but he was the persistent
kind. I was in a relationship, I’d tell him without conviction,
he’d say if you’re not married, I’ll keep trying.

He did stop asking, he’d say he thought I was a snob
so I had to make the next move.
I broke if off with Phil, told Bill I’d go out
we went to the Florida State Fair.

He’s changed in thirty-nine years; he’d say I have too
but the love it just grows and grows. I’m fatter, he’s
wrinkled, we don’t have the same energy, our minds
aren’t what they used to be.

But if I have the choice; if the past has anything to do
with the now, I’ll hang on for thirty- nine more.
Holding hands and sitting close, sharing stories of our day
thinking about what new adventure we’ll try.

Judy Roney
February 26, 2009