A Lasting Love
I am always quite enthralled
when I see those couples,
sitting on the beach
or walking hand in hand
with weathered faces,
grayed hair,
and perhaps a beat skipped,
in their walk,
who nevertheless seem enthralled
in each other’s company.
I stare intently,
while trying to be discrete,
when a chair is still pulled out
a door held opened,
or the cream is placed near her coffee,
without her having to ask.
I watch as they chat
with each other
over lunch,
not looking for a better vista,
or pretending to read the paper,
but instead focused on the face,
which sits across from them.
They seem happy,
in each other’s company;
and I wonder if it has always been so?
Have they celebrated life’s milestones together?
Are there framed photographs,
of their smiling faces
at birthday parties, weddings and graduations,
resting on a mantel?
Did they hold each other’s hand
during long, restless nights,
sitting in a hospital room
or waiting for a phone call
from a child
who should have been home hours before,
but had not appeared?
Have they watched election returns,
toured the Grand Canyon,
or learned to tango together?
They did not just meet,
you can see that
they are not strangers,
on a first date,
or two lonely people
who did not want to sit
in the movie theater alone,
there is something more
between them – there is history.
They share their popcorn,
and sip from the same soda,
without a second thought.
The gestures between them are subtle,
but sincere.
Neither seems to notice a changing posture
or failing eyesight,
in the person sitting next to them,
instead,
as the lights go down,
and the movie title appears,
an arm gingerly reaches around
to an awaiting shoulder.
It is a lasting love.
~ Cristina Jill Mosqueda ~
