The Day We Met Arthur

There was a cool breeze in the air
At this location I sat and silently stared
My spouse was here by my side
Here we were visiting the place-
where I was once dressed as the bride

The flowers laid by the pond so cheery 
While we would think of a timeless theory 
The memory brought us back to an ageless treasure 
While we walked here at our leisure 

The tips of the trees brushed back with a degree 
A storm was brewing it was easy to see 
Then out of the corner of our eyes- 
came a man all dressed up with pride
 
He was wearing his fishing gear 
And with his personality so carefree as he appeared 
We spoke to him of what if any fish he had caught
And smiled and shared his stories that he had sought 

He then asked my husband if he wanted to learn how to fly fish 
We turned toward him and said we’d return if you wish 
We came back to him and helped him with his rod 
His eyes looked so happy his soul seem to nod 

He talked up storm and I stood and listened with patience 
Although with his slow moves was wearing quietly on my impatience
Then the skies turned to angry steel 
I knew in a moment a thunderstorm would wheel 
 
A crack of thunder rattled overhead 
And sent me a message get in the car or dread 
The rain came down at sideways angle 
Soon the fisherman’s lines would tangle 

My husband came up running to the car 
The storm took over it was so bizarre 
My husband told me he was a dieing man
There I was with my new book in my hand 

He told me Arthur had a stroke 
He had Alzheimer disease and was dieing of cancer 
Then my heart just spoke 

I gave him my new book and signed my name
I told him to read it to his wife if that’s all the same 
He turned and smiled, 
He had the spirit of a young child 


(This story was written for Arthur 
Who is dieing of cancer and suffers the early stages of Alzheimer disease 
May his living years ring out with sprit!)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

Poem

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Duhart Avatar
August 13, 2008 at 7:33 AM
Oh what a beautiful write. It really touched the heart. Great write and congratulations on your new book, email me your information so I can add you to my library also.
Winter Avatar
August 12, 2008 at 5:22 PM
Oh Laura, I am so glad you commented on my poem (thank you!) or I would have missed this. I am seriously, and apologetically lagging in my comments. Yes, I also think of the movie the Notebook. There is no doubt your book will be a wonderful gift and add great joy to his remaining time here. A thoughtful gesture and a beautiful write. Love, Shar
Reynolds Avatar
August 12, 2008 at 4:51 AM
So sad. :( Like Michael, the notebook is one of my most favorite movies...well done, love Kristin
Jordan Avatar
August 11, 2008 at 12:50 PM
This poem brought tears to my eyes - one of my favorite movies is "The Notebook" for a love that strong should always be cherished. I wish your friend Author the best and may God be with him - It was a blessing you gave him when you gave him that book - God Bless
Richards Avatar
August 11, 2008 at 12:48 PM
I'm sure that Arthur was meant to meet you on that particular day. You may never know what that encounter may have meant to him, but I'm sure it warmed his heart. Blessings...Carrie
Foulk Avatar
August 11, 2008 at 11:46 AM
a beautiful piece of well wrote poetry, and very touching, and heartbreaking. and a great trubute to Arhur.
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