My Magical Journey

A Magical Journey Poetry Contest Constance La France "When we were hit by the magic wand's spell we suddenly became swans" Quote by author I hold three magic rocks, in my hand Rolling them over and over and over Leaving this reality behind, far behind Back in 2000, I met a handsome man He was a bartender and served me my drinks Tall, masculine, composed From that first meeting, our eyes danced Twenty-five years later the band is still rocking For there's that same sparkles in our eyes Where our undressed feelings lie in the nude Albeit with a few wrinkles here and there About four times a month I would visit him We'd exchange pleasantries and laughs And that's it No touching, kissing, or other We loved to tell stories and text And exchange gifts on our birthdays and holidays We loved to talk and be each other's fantasy Apparently, our strong chemistry was obvious Except there was no bridge and lots of restraints For me, he was like my surrogate husband ... without the other And as the years and decades rolled on The brew got stronger With our passions running wild Yet capped And maybe we thought of each other ... as forbidden fruit ... or maybe he couldn't hit on his customers But neither of us made a move We remained like two ostriches, flightless Sticking our necks out to see how each was doing That was the routine, our nature There was never a bad night or visit ... well except for the times, I saw him flirting That was okay, but not really Though my home away from home lacked a bedroom I still enjoyed sitting at his bar and gazing For twenty-five years I did just that Gaze here, gaze there … well you get the picture Well … I didn’t Until one day, recently, I took inventory of my life I know what you're thinking "Is she slow" ... and what can I say? There's no retort, how can there be On that day I took the long road to his bar And ordered routinely, but sadly "Michael I have bad news," as my eyes teared. "I'm joining a dating site and need your help," ... as his dancing eyes paused. And my heart fluttered. "Can you help me with my profile picture?" Explaining I'm new at this, "What's an ideal date?" These baby steps were in the right direction … and my resurrection Even though I was hit on by rabbits types and wolves … I didn’t hit back I cautiously vetted out the howlers, makers, and shakers Searching for the right man, the same age, compatible signs ... witty and funny, hard working ... my type I did find someone, an invite, a good hit … I hope Only thinking at the time if serendipity could please hit me After exchanging contact information I suggested we meet across town at a bar that I go to Thinking that Michael might approve of my date When I arrived Simple, I look for silver and maybe find gold Or maybe I find another ostrich ... yet as my emotions walked across a tightrope There seemed to be something in the air ... could this be magic? I didn't see Michael behind the bar He’s not working, huh? I kept willing and thinking Did Michael secretly join the dating site to meet me? No that can’t be ... even Moses couldn't part the sea here I pondered and I pondered But wouldn't this be a fitting end to our odyssey A twist in the road, where ostriches can cross ... perhaps? ... please God, as I closed my eyes, let it be Let all my angels dance together Let there be a magic spell In this fairy tale ending … muttering under my breath, "I’ll go to church this Sunday" … please God as my white knuckles pressed into my chair Moments later a tap on my shoulder My pent up emotion began to bubble ... and my silent voice began to babble … and as soon as I heard his voice they uncorked "Ma'am is this seat taken," as Michael gave me a hug Handing me a bouquet of white roses As we melted into each other's arms To matching tears running down our faces A bridge spanning twenty-five years … finally crossed