Fig Leaf

On the shadowed banks of river they sat together Adulating setting sun quivering in rippling currents Where golden filaments shimmered on blue water Forming and breaking ephemeral circular motions Undulating amber rays on eve’s buoyant emotions. Her dimples smiled upon her visage of royal poise Enticing him to probe her cheerful, enamored eyes Mesmerizing as yet un-blossomed amatory dreams As they raved of college, friends, late nights carefree Exploring coyly maiden impulses of mature themes Inflaming seductively, untrodden clues of fantasies. Alas! those memories now~ dulcet still, but empty. Never he saw her again on her side of the prairies Strolling nonchalantly, engrossed in birds chirping, No one standing there now to steal his glances slyly Hiding behind notions of secrecy, at first meekly, Though later, quite daringly, wantonly, frequently; Elevating him unlike anyone else, before, or since. Her last letter to him was cryptic, yet informative: A rustic farm house, cow moos amid clucking sounds, Boy and a girl, flower beds, and a dog named Duffy~ A simple life on landscapes lauding ancestral heritage. He remembers well~ saying it, genuinely meaning it, As movingly she indulged in life that could have been, Awkwardly dropping hints, soon she’ll be married. Yet, here she is now intimating, she too so loved him~ Validating his belief—though offering a mere fig leaf-- A vain gesture to convince him she honored his dream Memorializing secret pact, living life in his blueprint: Boy and a girl, rustic farm house, a dog named Duffy. April 12, 2022 Poem of the day on April 14, 2022 Placed 1st: This or That, Vol 11 Poetry Contest Sponsor: Edward Ibeh Title chosen: Fig Leaf