Saudade

My heart felt old; I sought the cold. Canada’s land was what I planned. Among trees grand and far inland To dance my sad brand of sarabande. Yet precious moments come when joy flowers, Far briefer than Four-O’clocks, As resurrected visions composed of spectral smoke, Reignite our love in brief rapture; abruptly fading. Far from the shores I now abhor Where eyes of blue were wrenched from view; A grisly depart for my sweet heart - A rag doll tossed and dragged into the deep. Winter trees in chiaroscuro Cuffed by icicles grip and snow. Dark, defrocked beeches beseeching; Limbs pleading for the sap of Spring. Staring into those leafless woods As cotton obscurity falls; And gloaming passes into night, Something I see sheds its dark veil. Life bursts anew; I plainly view Your windswept raven hair framing Jeweled eyes and lips set in tan An amaranthine vision of Our ancient love, so evergreen Waiting sweetly in the deep snow. So near, so there, but not now here A snapping branch broke quietude. Daring damsel of Tavira, My heart still glows at thoughts of thee Cuddled close on Algarve beach White wave swash foam tickling our toes. Our brash love was a high wire act Done without any safety net. Diving the sky, diving the deep; Scaling the peaks; dancing in Rio. Passion flowed allegro con brio; Alloying us ‘neath moon and sun. Until you vanished in the swirling sea West of the sandy swath of Algarve. Stolen, seized by a great white shark As your surfboard raced past mine. Absent your smile my life seems spent As if impaled on Triton’s trident. Yet precious moments come when joy flowers, Far briefer than Four-O’clocks, As resurrected visions composed of spectral smoke, Reignites our love in brief rapture, abruptly fading. 2/11/2019 Sponsor: Edward Ibeh