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Then and Now

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(Image courtesy of Sara's scrapbook. Can you tell that Bill & I met at singles square dance lessons? Yes, that's Bill sporting a full beard and moustace.) Circa 1983. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Then, the sparks in your eyes were a thousand fireflies, diamonds dancing in pools of blue. The laughter we shared rang joyous to my willing ears. Warmth flowed freely in the smoke of desire your hair orangish red, like a tanager’s wings was smooth with a touch like the finest silk. Carry me backwards in time… …when only your love brought me peace of mind and just your touch could set me a flame. …when a kiss was the beginning of love’s game. …when crystal tears fell out of pure joy. Back then when our love was young and full of glory, you were the one who caused such glee for my darling it was you, that made us 'we.' You see, my love, nature's chemistry played a part in the decision we made to share our hearts. Making love now is different than back then. Then our youthfulness gave into lust. Now compatibility and intimacy go along with mutual trust. I see you now after all of these years as a friend, lover, and a tamer of my fears. Then, we were two independent, intersecting orbits. Now, we’re collaborative souls, together circling the sun. Just like back then, I now take comfort in knowing loving you is right till the very end

Copyright © | Year Posted 2024




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Date: 4/18/2024 7:37:00 AM
Beautiful poem, Sara. The sentiments you express mirror those that I have for my wife. (We'll be married 25 years this July.) I felt a real connection to this poem. That does not happen often! Take care. Jim
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/18/2024 4:48:00 PM
I'm so grateful you read my poem. I'm glad it connected with you. The feelings you have for your wife and those I have for my hubby are rare. I acknowledge that with him every day. Thank you for stopping by (25 years! that's awesome) enjoy your evening, sara
Date: 4/16/2024 12:18:00 PM
A lovely photo and how beautiful you hve been together for so long.. Love nostalgic photos like this and this must bring lovely memories for you.. A fitting poem for the contest and nice idea also.. Best of luck..
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/16/2024 6:32:00 PM
thanks for stopping by, Silent One. I'm grateful we've been married so long...a challenge some years but worth it. Thanks for your encouragement. have a pleasant evening, Sara
Date: 4/16/2024 10:10:00 AM
Do si do, give a hoot. Square dancers in romance. Love it. Love the picture.
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/16/2024 6:32:00 PM
thanks for visiting and for your clever comments. Glad you liked the poem and picture. It brings back cherished memories. 'Alamand left, do si do your corner..." have a lovely evening. Sara
Date: 4/16/2024 6:43:00 AM
Lovely romantic read about Sara and Bill! Have a lovely time, best wishes and hopes.
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/16/2024 6:31:00 PM
thanks, AA, for stopping by. Thanks for your wishes...have a great evening, Sara
Date: 4/16/2024 6:25:00 AM
Wonderfully reminiscing in albums of romantic yore, Sara:--when only your love brought me peace of mind and just your touch could set me a flame.…when a kiss was the beginning of love’s game--- Much love exudes from the heartfelt reflections you convey.
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/16/2024 6:30:00 PM
thanks, Vijay, for your insights about some of the lines of my poetry. Glad you 'felt' love exuding from my nostalgic visit. enjoy your evening, Sara
Date: 4/16/2024 3:23:00 AM
Awwn thats such a cute picture, your hair looks so different there and both of you look so in love together and different too! Ah! Soul warming to look back and reminisce then and now! This would have been perfect also for my contest, i love the way youv written “ Now, we’re collaborative souls, together circling the sun” awwn how sweet! Both of you are so precious and pure how you share love for each other after so many years of being together. A rare sight really that deserves all the light
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/16/2024 4:12:00 AM
thanks for your visit, Ink, and for your lovely comments about Bill & I in our younger, 'western' days. I liked the line you mentioned as well. I thought about entering this poem in your contest but chose another one. Oh drats! Should've followed my gut. :-) Yes, we're still in love, but not quite as energetic. Have a great day, hugs, Sara
Date: 4/15/2024 10:00:00 PM
You're a perfect couple. May God bless you.
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/16/2024 4:13:00 AM
awww, thank you, Victor. Your words brought me joy. Have a blessed day, Sara
Date: 4/15/2024 7:45:00 PM
What a PHENOMENAL PHOTO! I just can't get over it. A REAL TREASURE. Thanks for posting it, Gershon
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/16/2024 4:14:00 AM
thanks for your enthusiastic response to our photo. When I look at that picture I vaguely remember the couple that 'was.' So young in spirit even though we were in our 30s.enjoy your day, Sara
Date: 4/15/2024 6:36:00 PM
Ah, this is so precious , I love the photo it made me smile. A match made in heaven Sara, thanks for sharing this, a fav for me, tender and beautiful !
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Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/16/2024 4:15:00 AM
thank you, dear Rose, for your sweet and uplifting comments. Humbly grateful for your visit and for the fave...means a great deal to me. Have a pleasant day, hugs, Sara

Book: Reflection on the Important Things