1/20/12

Anniversary Waltz
By Fred E. Beaulieu


As evening descends on a small Midwest farm
The sky slowly reddens and dusk spreads its charm
While cares and concerns of the daytime take flight
Soon phantoms of present and past will unite

A light from the doorway spills out through the air
Revealing a figure descending the stairs
A rose in his hand, dressed in formal attire
And driven by dreams of impassioned desires

He heads round the back, past the old garden shed
Through rustling cornfields, towards what lies ahead
Then into a clearing of special design
To witness a vision of beauty divine

She’s graced by a gown that he longs to embrace
And bears not a trace of ill health on her face
Approaching his spouse in this sanctified hour
He offers his gift of a single red flower

While crickets commence with their soft serenade
These lovers encircle the grass promenade
Then Japanese lanterns of fireflies take flight
To glitter the field and enrapture the night

As stars cast a glow from their stations on high
And fleeting black figures of birds whisper by
The dancers converge in a waltz, slow and long
And sway to the rhythm of nature’s sweet song

Within this enchantment, the partners entwined,
The cares of this world are left so far behind
No words need be spoken, their eyes say it all
While dancing like guests at a grand royal ball

Too soon it is over, the lovers retreat
The man turns in silence, their hour complete
He heads for the farmhouse while tears stream his face
His heart bearing emptiness none can replace

For seven long years since his wife left his side
He’s fought to continue while aching inside
Now all that sustains him are dreams of romance
And moments they share in a summer night’s dance


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I am a lifelong resident of West Michigan, and have enjoyed a rewarding career in computer programming. My interests include music, reading, puzzles, old movies, and of course poetry. I enjoy writing poems which reflect the many faces of life and love.