Once, Once Upon a Time

Once true love rang it in. But only just that once. Once it rang us out of port, Headed back to war again. Once it was the party of the year, Dancing in a hilltop villa garden, A crystal toast to floating lights, Of fishing boats below on Naples Bay Once, or maybe it was twice. At the base of Zugspitz mountain. After skiing down her icy slopes all day. Then there was the Pump Room, In Chicago’s old Ambassador. And now, Now the night is quiet, No bells, no toasts, no dancing on the hill. The man and dog content upon the couch, Nodding on and off together, Just dreaming in this new year.