How Do You Feel

(For people of my generation, especially among the country folk, dating was not in vogue. When a girl reaches the marriable age, proposals would come and after one or two formal meetings, if the boy and girl like each other, the marriage would be fixed. So, it was more like gambling) In my sweet seventeen, as all teenagers Often I was lost in reverie of my life with my man, From time to time I drew and altered the image of a gallant, Who would one day come to wed and own me his. In the nick of time, he solemnly came, To hold my hand and tie the knot. With a pounding heart and quivering breath, I found him different from the man I dreamt. The fabulous fabric in my loom, Looked at variance from the one unfurled, Transfixed between fact and fallacy, I struggled to hide a falling tear. Time marched on in silent haste, And I learned to outgrow my childish whims. Sagacity dawned with passing age, Making me discern the real from the sham. It made me admire his sanguine self. On fathomed deep beyond external mien, I saw him unveiled in taintless worth, That made my heart ever pine in love. Piecing together our halved selves, With the glue of love, our identities merged. Now he is with me in my blues, Consoling me with his balmy touch. He is with me in my joy, Making it resonant with a hearty laugh. He is there when storms rage, Whispering in my ear, not to fear. He taught me how to savor life, To meet the slings with radiant cheer. Now the image is etched deep, Never to erase, nor to revise! And the old portrait locked within, Grew so musty, bereft of use. In its place, I keep within, His solid figure in indelible print. Jan.22. 2023 ~ PLACED FIRST~ How Do You Feel Poetry Contest Sponsor- Mystic Rose Rose