(an exercise in poetry)
I have been wandering this
little, dusty, path
- all summer long.
Meandering through
happenings…
past greetings and
hellos.
Pausing by the waysides
to visit friends
and family
both new and old.
All the while my gaze is peeled
looking,
looking,
looking -
for you.
Sometimes I spot you,
tromping through the shrubs,
after I’ve stepped off
the path,
and got turned around
by accident.
And then,
when I almost panic
that I’m lost for good this time -
I find you’ve already
marked the way
with signs any child could spy.
Sometimes, when I shield my eyes
and look ahead,
I glimpse
Your silhouette.
Hand outstretched, beacon lit,
a fire warmed and bright
Waiting for my approach
with a blanket and a cozy chair
and the very best company.
Other times I walk head down,
thinking, knowing
… Savouring…
that
you were just there behind me -
the memory
and weight of our
rendezvous
a thing that drives me on
Until the next.
Now and then I find you
walking on my left -
your gaze teasing,
elbow nudging,
chuckle rising
when I huff
in my surprise.
And then we laugh
a little bit,
that it took me
so long to find you there
- in step with me -
where you’ve always been.
But always -
always,
I am looking
looking,
looking
for you.
I hope I never, ever stop.
Because you are
worth every,
single,
dusty, step
to find
in all the places
we
play hide and seek
along the way.
Once Upon the Ink 