He was a dreamy dancer

Articulated moves in exact rhythm

Suavity of interpretation and sinuous muscle

A telling arrow from Cupid's bow

So many years ago.

 

At twenty the 'eligible for marriage' list is physical dominant

Not necessarily handsome features or a six-pack belly

But the promise of good sex -

And two bodies bonding the beat of music

Is very erotic.

 

He was a Glaswegian with a burr to stir porridge

Clear blue eyes in a pleasant face

Keen wit and scoring tongue for comedic circumstance

A clever man taking his Masters in Law

And she was slipping inexorably under his Gallic charm

So many years ago.

 

One weekend he sprawled on her sofa whiskey in hand

Listening to something with florid flute.

When it finished she picked up two books from the coffee table

And turned their titles toward him saying, 'These are terrific.

Voltaire - in translation,' she laughs. 'Simply intriguing.'

But especially this one - Bertrand Russell - very provoking.

Have you read either of these, or maybe both?'  

 

'No.'

 

'These are my own copies. Would you like to borrow one?

Voltaire maybe, or Bertrand Russell?

Then we could talk about their ideas. I would enjoy that.'

 

'NO!'

 

She was taken aback, but compelled to continue,

'Why not? Are you just too busy to read?

Or you simply don't like philosophy, modern or otherwise?'

Not a deliberate termagant

But trying to understand his sharp response

To opening an avenue that was important to her.

 

So many years ago

She had no idea she was trashing upon her head

Fabled cherry pinks and white apple blossoms

Their petals so bruised and torn

That no sultry sax or swirling violins

No pulsing cha-cha-cha or whirling waltz

Could ever restore their romance.

 

She must have looked totally perplexed - waiting.

Finally -  'I can't,' he said.

Confusion - but still fighting - maybe praying

'You can't.  You are a scholarly man.

What do you mean, you can't?'

 

'The Church will not allow me.'

 

His words dropped like stones into her head.

And that was that.

They never danced again

So many years ago.

Sometimes she thinks about him

Although she no longer remembers his name.