Mark Toney Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

9/28/2024

Beginning and end quotes from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow - Tales of a Wayside Inn, Part Third, The Theologian's Tale, Elizabeth.

In the context of this poem, 'To offer one's hand' to someone simply means holding out your hand to shake hands.

Image created by Mark Toney using DALL-E (2024-09-28)

Business Class

”Ships that pass in the night, and speak each other in passing, Only a signal shown and a distant voice in the darkness;” —Henry Wadsworth Longfellow


We met in business class
Me the window, she the aisle
After introductions, silence
Eventually conversing awhile

She had come for extra training
Me a weekday conference stay
Learned we’d reserved the same hotel
Deplaned each our separate way

Serendipity in baggage claim area
Riding the hotel shuttle bus
She asked, “Care to go Dutch treat for lunch?
Or not … No need to make a fuss”

After ordering she asked, “Are you married?”
Happily flashed ring finger as yes
Added we also have two sons
She replied, “You are truly blessed”

Since she had shown genuine interest
I was happy to further respond
Offering details of my family life
Then, now, and beyond

Our discussion turned to things deeper
Current events … are we doing what we can
to help alleviate pain and suffering?
Does God really care about man?

Within a short time lunch was over
She thanked me for taking the time
Offering she was divorced and lonely
Making each day an uphill climb

Being lonely seeking transitory workarounds
But this had gone better than planned
Further sustaining her confident optimism 
there are still many good, decent men

We said our goodbyes and best wishes
Smiled and then she offered her hand
Two ships passing in the light of day
Never would I see her again


”So on the ocean of life we pass and speak one another, Only a look and a voice, then darkness again and a silence.” —Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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Crystol Woods December 15, 2024 at 10:28 AM A tale of innocent connection between a man and woman... each connecting on a deep level yet not crossing the boundary into the forbidden. A truly wholesome and lovely story written with rhythm and seamless flow! Loved it! Xo Mark Toney December 15, 2024 at 9:31 PM Perfect summary, Crystol. Thank you for brightening my day. :)

Unseeking Seeker November 21, 2024 at 12:56 AM and yet the afterburn of shared warmth lingers, love platonic or maybe not, hardly matters, what counts is the fragrance imbibed, the touch embraced and released, with positivity, empathy and even compassion. Mark Toney November 21, 2024 at 7:42 AM Thank you for your delightful poetic summation, Unseeking Seeker. Your comment would make a better end quote than Longfellow's ;)

Maria Williams October 13, 2024 at 2:49 AM Lovely tale Mark, that happens often throughout life. Maria Mark Toney October 19, 2024 at 9:34 AM Thank you for the thoughtful comment, Maria. I'm sorry that I'm tardy in responding. October 15 is the income tax filing extension deadline in the U.S., and since I'm an IRS Enrolled Agent, I've been burning the candle at both ends!

Deb M October 5, 2024 at 3:20 AM Mark l absolutely love this tale and message! Excellent! Debx Mark Toney October 6, 2024 at 1:16 PM You brightened up my day, Deb. I'm so glad you liked it! :)