Veronica Joseph Poet Free verse

Once a Man

once a man brought his lover home
to his house
the house he paid for with hard work
sweat
and sacrifice
loved her in his bed
many times
resanctified it as a loving place
when it had turned poisonous
dangerous
his wife had betrayed him
but he was no longer at her mercy

once a man brought his lover home
and cooked for her in his kitchen
a simple chicken dish made with love
they ate by candle light
at the table
and talked together
he felt happiness
he showed her all the tea in his cabinets

once a man
walked in the field with his woman
his lover
and held her hand
spoke his heart
saw her eyes
and knew how mistaken he had been
about what he thought was love

once a man
wanted to apologize to this woman
and give her thanks
for opening herself to him and seeing who he was
so late in life
a man worth loving
a funny man a gentle soul
instead he held her close
and listened.

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Daver Austin June 1, 2009 at 1:37 PM Hey, Veronica, I've been married to the same woman for 57 years. All you say is true. Good message. About teaching. Yes, it's a two way job. I've been at P.T.A. meetings where there were more teachers in the building than parents. I've also sat in classes where nothing was done to stimulate education. The American public is spoiled rotten and it isn't particularly their fault. I could go on and on. I like hearing from you, Veronica, you're not afraid to speak out. Love, daver

L'Nass Shango May 26, 2009 at 1:06 PM This is a powerful presentation with the third person distance from the subjective ... and the reprise of the enterprises like a step to where we are ... well writ ... made me read and contemplate. Lovely

Christopher Higgins May 26, 2009 at 12:12 PM Love this piece..reminiscent of the poets of old..good writing that spoke to my soul.