four
women, just four
each
beautiful in her own way
adding
to his store of memories,
at once vivid, haunting, relentless.
exploration
smells
tastes
wildness
times four.
the
first, his
first
his bride, mother
of sweet child.
initial
bliss twisted over time.
stabbing
with
words, blame, accusations, disappointment,rage.
she
abuses him.
still
he stays, for now.
the
second, a surprise
his teacher, obliging
playmate.
temporary
bliss ended affably.
instructing
in
whispers, adventure, education, pleasure, fun.
she
uses him.
he
doesn’t mind, for now.
the
third, so young
his regret, consoling
lover
hoped-for
bliss that could not last.
pleading
for more, delight, plans, intensity, bitterness.
she
loses him.
he
spirals in despair, for now.
the
fourth, old friend
his joy, reason
for living
mutual bliss
that astounds
laughing
together, risk, caresses, dreams, obsession.
she
chooses him.
he
chooses love, for always.
(c) Ellen Gillette, 2012
Most people my age or older can look back and count more than one special relationship, although a few folks marry their playground love or high school sweetheart. Having breakfast with my folks this week, I had the pleasure of observing a couple in their 90s who just found each other. The new love doesn't replace the former loves who have passed on, but they are clearly enjoying a new, last chapter. I love that - there is always room for love in a person's life if he or she is open to it. This poem looks at one hypothetical man who has loved various women, various types with less-than-satisfying outcomes, over the years, only to discover one last love.with whom he can be happy at last. It's sort of an Everyman poem. We all want to love and to be loved, don't we?
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