The Kiss At the Tor - Full Version

Notes: Part 1 of The kiss at the tor was the first poem I ever posted on the Soup. Some time later, my life changed and I was moved to write an alternative version. I always thought I had posted the second part as a separate poem but, on discovering that I never did, I have combined the two as a poem of two parts here... The kiss at the tor (Part 1) My soul was on fire, as I entered the wood By the old rusty gate, which silently stood Absorbing history, making no choice Passing no judgement, adding no voice The rough ancient path, veined with roots To test my step, or scuff my boots Unhurriedly followed the line of the brook But this was not the path I took I turned to the right, climbed up through the trees Where bracken and brambles tugged at my knees ‘til I reached the edge of the open moor And strode on up to the lonely tor Where first we kissed on that moonlit night Where you held me close, as I held you tight That was the moment I was truly born My life before you had been tattered and torn You gave me the courage to truly be me You gave me your love unconditionally Yes, my soul was on fire, as you came into view On the edge of the rock, by the magical yew And I knew, as then, you were only her ghost The spirit of the one I have loved the most The kissing gate (The kiss at the tor – Part 2) My heart was aglow, as we entered the wood By the kissing gate, that silently stood Preserving the memory, of all those who passed We were not the first, and we’ll not be the last The soft grassy path, in shafts of light Caused us to miss, the rough track to the right Inviting us on, as it slowly took The meandering line, of the boulder strewn brook Spirit and power, now came from the trees The canopy rustled, in the warm summer breeze While beyond the forest, on the high heather moor The grit stone crags, of the lonely tor Acknowledged our kiss, in the broad daylight While you held me close, and I held you tight This was the day I was truly born My life no longer tattered and torn Your love was the gift that set me free The love that you gave unconditionally Yes, my heart is aglow, with a love so true Freely given, by this magical you Now, as never, I am rid of the ghost And with the one I love the most