Esther Leclerc - Perhaps the One

Her innocent legs entwined with his
That long ago day, gently warm February.
New to love and young, she... not he...
And he knew her well.

At grassy lakeside, lying clothed together
Legs embracing, fingers tracing,
She kissed him rapturously...
And it was good.

Everything was sacred to this girl,
Except her insistent lips.
He never pressed her, tho' very much
a man... such was his respect of her.

On the way home, he said,
'I love you enough to marry you',
This life-long bachelor...
She knew him well; it wasn't a line.

Frightened silence ensued as he pulled
Over to the freeway shoulder, and she
Kissed him again, but never replied.
'Marry' rang in her ears... not the 'I love you'.

It ended soon; they'd lost their words.
In four months, she met the one she'd marry.
He wasn't nearly so respectful...
She was, after all, very young...

Sometimes she wonders where he is, this man aged 62 soon...
Does he remember a passionate, principled girl who loved him so?
If he remembers her at all, then all is well...


(1.7.07)

Esther Leclerc

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/perhaps-the-one/