We met for a warm lunch on a chilly day,
The autumn leaves had left behind naked trees,
A see-through scenery for the New England winter.
She removed her heavy wool coat,
To reveal a blue blouse, her signature color.
We ordered Kale salad, dressing on the side,
And dove into the recent past,
Which got extended by global events.
Time can be thinner than fine sand.
People and events, memories and hopes,
Tossed into an emotional salad, dressing included.
Hair-raising, leg-shaking, tear-jerking,
Wrangled with verbal forks and chewed slowly,
Savoring the surprising tastes and exotic spices,
The kind that dries the mouth and wets the soul.
Yes, I’ll have more water, please. Thank you.
A flowing conversation,
No music or other interruptions,
To borrow us, invite us, stop us,
From this extended moment we share.
One we succeeded in creating, here, today,
By sheer interest, will, and trust.
The stories are heavy, the questions heavier,
They hang in the air around us,
Like an abstruse art installation at a gallery,
That is never open to the public.
A past that directs a future, but not always,
Plans we want to make, changes to apply,
To secure the journey for a steady sail onward,
For us and for them, without anyone knowing.
It can be done. It will be.
The abstract installation moves slowly,
Caressed by caring thoughts,
Changes shape and colors.
The answers shall reveal themselves,
In bright, beautiful shades of blue.
