Just Once

Once I was there Snatching glimpses Through the minstrel gallery Watching dancers Cavort across the floor Once, for just a second I caught the falling petal As, tucking nightdress up To bunch over knees I ran, barefoot to hide In the lushness of the orangerie. There amongst the ferns And the sweet scented yet Sticky lemon plant I watched you kiss, and Stroke her hair Caught the fragrance of Two lovers lost in bliss. It was only once But you never knew I saw I saw you with my mothers’ eyes Watched you look And as you gazed I held my breath Until my heart just thumped and thumped Pounding in waves like The sea upon the shore Felt the rush of water Singing in my ears Just once, and it was over And chances died like dreams.