Chandra

CHANDRA Down to my last dollar, staring at the floor, As lonely near two million as on Sable Island’s shore. Another grey Toronto day, the saddest I had known, No place now to lay my head, so very far from home. She sat down at my table, said I’ve been watching you. I know what you are feeling, I’ve been lonely too. My name’s Chandra Kelly, call me Candy others do. I’ve got the time, I’ve got the dime, here’s what I’ll do for you. She said that she would drive me home, did not know what to say. Didn’t dare to tell her it’s two thousand miles away. An inner voice said here’s a choice, what else have you to do? Homesick after two long months this city’s not for you. Up Don Valley Parkway I fell asleep, came to, Heading east on 401 I wondered how she knew? I’m from the East and I can tell that you are from there too. Go back to sleep, I’ll wake you up at Riviere du Loup. That night I slept in the back seat, she in a cheap motel. Next morning south without a word, I didn’t need to tell. Across the Canso Causeway, then near the lakes Bras d’Or We shared the same motel room, I slept upon the floor. Argentia Ferry overnight, not lonely any more, We shared a tiny cabin, no longer on the floor. Next day I wondered how she knew to take each turning place, To take me to Conception Bay, my hometown Harbour Grace. And for a month we laughed and loved, met everyone I knew, And everyone who met her fell in love with Candy too. And I began to plan a life, a home in Harbour Grace. My loneliness had gone away, no sadness in this place. Then came one cold grey morning, no suitcase on the floor, No car in the driveway, a note upon the door. I hope you find another love, one that is strong and true. I know you will not understand, but I’ll come back for you. But down the years I never found a love to call my own. Not knowing how to find her, I stayed in my parents’ home. And dreamed of Candy Kelly as the long years fell away. My steps grew slow and feeble, my hair turned to grey. All my friends and family gone to the other side. No purpose now to linger, no reason to abide. As lonely now as I was then, Toronto long before, Adrift upon an ocean, looking for the other shore. And then one night a vision I had not seen before, A spirit shining softly, drifting through my door. Is this I dream I wonder as it comes to where I lie, Or has it come to tell me that my time has come to die? My angel name is Chandra, Candy Kelly that you knew, And angels don’t break promises, so I’ve come back for you. And now I know the reason why she knew each turning place To bring me from Toronto to my home in Harbour Grace. Two spirits floating side by side out through a solid door, She tells me I will be sad and lonely nevermore. Two spirits floating side by side out through a solid door, She tells me I will be sad and lonely nevermore. Ellis Craig, 2022.