Cavern walls loomed cathedral-like overhead
We stood in silent awe of the majesty
A young couple, fingers entwined
Voices, laughter echoing across the rocky walls
The world a paradise, made just for them
Fully alive in the beauty of of their surroundings
Alive in the moment and the splendor of the other
Complete awareness of the beauty and the beloved.
A sharp little pain tears at my heart
Echos in an empty space--
of young life and love lost to Patriarchal tyranny
Anything outside the circle of protection forbidden.
I set aside the camera for a moment
Waiting for the couple to pass from view
And the youthful laughter to fade.
My husband shakes his head
Young people--they just have to make so much noise.
I smile and reach for his hand.
No--they are doing just exactly
What young people are made to do--
Living life, exploring, absorbing each other,
Souls entwining, becoming one with shared experience
And memories made with only thoughts for the beloved.
You are right, he said, and squeezed my hand.
And again I smile and am full of gratitude
That God can take two broken people with painful pasts,
and make them whole by giving them each other.
Sometimes I wonder how to define ourselves--
Still practically newly weds--me 36, him 62.
Not young, not old,
maybe between the two of us, we are middle aged?
No matter-we are here and now in awe together.
(Written after our visit to Rock House in Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio.)
Linked to Real Toads poetry challenge and Saturday Evening Post hosted by Elizabeth Ester.
Oh what a lovely story this is. It does my old heart good:)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful.
ReplyDeleteVery nice!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful poem! I love the two different ways of perceiving the young couple.
ReplyDeletePS--I am a Michigander, too.
This looks at relationships from different angles but the joy to be found in each one comes through clearly.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea that between the two of you you are perhaps 'middle aged.' And it is wonderful that the two of you have found one another!
ReplyDeleteVery thought-provoking piece... we do have so much to be grateful for, don't we?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments. :) This poem has been echoing around in my head ever since we visited Rock House a few weeks ago. Thanks to poetry challenge for getting me to write it out.
ReplyDeleteJust lovely, touchingly moving how one can have such a powerful affect upon another, make them view things differently, see things in a better light. Just love this. (I lived in Michigan for almost 8 years and loved it...)
ReplyDeleteIf I have a favorite of your poems, this may well be it.
ReplyDeleteI love Kerry's comment, too. Even though you are wistful for the young love, you obviously cherish what you have with your man. A really great attitude and inspiring...