the rose of life

I was walking
on the pathway
by the highway
near the ocean
when I saw
a lonely park-bench
so I thought
I'd take a break

I was sitting 
on that park-bench
looking out
upon the ocean
when the sun sent out
a ripple
like a star
about to dance

As I sat there
feeling lonely
near the ocean
by the highway
looking out
upon the ripple
and upon
the dancing star

I saw a shaded profile
coming closer
coming clear
it was the profile
of a woman
more desirous 
as she neared

Joe is that you;
came her voice
(it seemed to be
above me)
I diverted
my attention
to the girl
in summer dress

Her hair was
flowing freely - 
it draped across
her shoulder
her face hidden
by fedora - 
she was beauty 
she was bliss

Her hands looked 
soft and supple
like a child
in its infancy
she waved away
a fringe 
and no furrow
could be seen

She walked with grace
and elegance
not seen by me
in years
and she spoke
with soft sincerity
that made her seem
surreal 

She was wearing
purple polka dots
a halter top and shorts
and a necklace
all embracing
of sweet kisses
in the night

My attention
now was focussed
on her smile
(she looked happy)
as she grabbed
my hand and I stood
by the girl
who so impressed

Years ago it was
when we had 
spent time alone 
together - 
when we shared
sweet kisses
and embraced
throughout the night

I was thinking
(was I dreaming)
could this be real
did I deserve her
why now - why here - 
co-incidence
or serendipity - 
(my fate)

What brings you here;
she asked me
I was stammering
I stuttered
what to say
that would entice her
to stay a while more

Time went by
(we started chatting)
no awkward silences
between us
just remembrances
of times past
and of what 
the future held

She made me smile
(couldn't help it)
I was controlled
by her perception
of a man still
holding flowers
for the blooming
rose of life

I put my arm
around her 
(my rose had grown
and blossomed)
as we walked away
together - 
on the pathway
by the highway
near the ocean
where we'd met

(Rekindling 
old memories
too sweet
to e'er forget).