Forever~On Some Distant Shore

 

 

I managed a travel lodge back in 1996, also responsible for cleaning the rooms and grounds. It was July the 14th when I caught a bus to a thrift store to buy some clothes to clean in, besides the fact that I didn't get paid enough to shop anywhere else. That day, I was  feeling tired and weary, absorbed in my own unhappiness.

While standing in the check-out line, a very elderly man was trying to get through the door alone. As soon as he did, he immediately noticed a wedding dress on a mannequin just a few feet from where I was standing. He fixed his gaze on 'her' face and as he slowly approached, no one was paying attention to what he was doing. The couple behind me were busy talking and the lady in front of me was spanking her unruly child.

When I saw his lips moving, I stepped out of line to get a bit closer so I could hear what he was saying. When I heard his words and saw his tears, I realized that I had walked into this man's private memories and I took that journey with him . . . .as his dream began . . . .
 

 

Forever~On Some Distant Shore




I boarded the transit . . .my head tilted down;
My mind weighed of my needs and cares.
I watched through the window as traffic drove by;
Not really seeing them there.

I shopped for used clothes with my thoughts occupied;
The few that I bought would make do.
I stared at a casing of rings to be sold;
A life long ago I once knew.

I stood at the check-out and watched an old man,
trying to get through the door all alone.
He stopped to admire an old wedding gown,
as if it was someone he'd known.

Out in the open the gown was displayed
on a mannequin, hung rather poor.
Discarded by someone not willing to be
Forever~on some distant shore.

I looked all around, but nobody saw
this man, as his eyes filled with tears.
Yet, I understood as I watched him begin
to travel back so many years. . . .

He stood at the altar. . .his face looked upon;
As I heard him speak softly "I do."
How quickly and sudden the years can go by
when there's no one to say "I love you."

But you're not alone, for my love can run deep,
though I may never see you again.
And on through my years I will often recall
your dream, that I chose to attend.

Your death may come soon, as one day for us all,
and you'll have whom you've held once before.
You will whisper those words, but this time she'll hear,
Forever~on some distant shore.

© Cheryl Taul
July 14, 1996

 

 

 

 

 

                    


    

 

 



 

Midi "On A Distant Shore" is used with permission
 and is © Copyright 2009 Bruce DeBoer.