Ideas On Romance

A poem from 1986

we sat beside a field

drinking coffee

from a mug in your car

as you drank

I noticed that your lips

were kissing

the mug

how I wished I could swap places with that mug

“Did you see that rabbit?” you asked

“No”

the only hares I noticed

were the ones on your head

for I couldn’t

keep my eyes from gazing

into yours

the clouds suddenly darkened

and rain drummed

against the car

lightning flashed

and

                scared

you held my hand

I put my arm around you

and held you as close

as the gearstick would allow

as I put my head on your shoulder

and whispered comforting words

the thunder roared so loud

that you didn’t hear me say “I LOVE YOU”

I couldn’t pluck up the courage

to say it again

the storm was over

far too soon

and I had to let you go

you spoke

and I noticed that your lips

were kissing

the air

how I wished I could swap places with the air

you started up the car

and drove us homeward

while I reflected on romance

if only you knew!

Suddenly

                you slammed the brakes down hard

“did you see that rabbit?” you asked