Always In the Window

ALWAYS IN THE WINDOW Child gazing longing in toyshop window Learns to stop wanting and simply pretend, Like watching queen a smile bestow Or leaning on fair-weather friend. Constantly holding back her promise She seems to move ‘cross starry sky. Smiles she through my dreams in darkness And dims the sun at noonday high. In the loneliness of childhood I gazed at her by clear night: My hope not changed, not understood - Enchantment through the window bright. In the crowded years of older age At her beauty I’m lost for speech: She yet continues to engage But always too far out of reach. So far away, too strange to reach. In deafened glass I hear no message; My face can touch her hand; but each One real - or simply longing image?