Past and Present

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Past to Present

 

 

I tried to find her

 

I went back to the place I first saw her so long ago.

We were both young then. Now as the years have passed

We have both aged, and her life has been filled with so

Much.   She probably doesn't remember me at all.

 

I haven’t been back to this place for, it must be forty years.

She has grown children, two girls and one boy.   They are grown

Men and women now.   Maybe they have given her grandchildren

That she spoils, and holds, and loves.  As they love her.

 

I watch from a distance, never getting to close.   I don’t

Want her to see me, never.     I was the one who left her,

And it was so lonely for such a long time.   I had nothing to

Give her.  She deserved so much more.

 

So today I returned, just to see her once more time, then to

move on once again.   To travel back to a place where what my

Eyes see today can keep me for the days until there be no

more days.  I can smile and remember. 

 

 The memory of this day will have to be the gift that fulfills all

the empty places which are. All that exist in the world I live in.

 

James, she called.

 

 I turned and looked at the steps in the front of her home.

James, is that you, James she called.

 

Where can I hide ?  I must hide, I can’t let her know it’s a

Long forgotten ghost from the past.   I must go, quickly.

As I turned to leave, I slipped, and as I fell I again head her

Call out, James .

 

 

The warmth from the fire in the fireplace was a welcome medication

From the cold outside on this freezing winter night.

 

Tea, she said.  It’s just tea.    Here, sip this slowly, it will

Help warm you inside.

 

I looked up into her face.  She smiled.  She placed her warm hand

On my cheek, then said.  Welcome home, James.

 

I slept for a long time.     I awoke, and seeing I was alone slowly

Moved to the door to quietly leave, so no questions could be ask.

Stop, her voice called.  Not loud, but I knew the tone of her voice

Meant just what she said, ‘Stop’.

 

I don’t know where you think you are going, but breakfast is still warm

In the kitchen.   You are hungry, you need a warm bath, and of course a

Clean change of clothes.  

 

 

So, my James, come to breakfast with me.

 

We, you and I  have many things to talk about.

 

 

Reviews

[Angel Bird]

Beautiful story - I liked it very much. It even held some suspense of what will come ...
Good work.