Thirty years ago today

(To Edward)

Thirty years ago today

in Philadelphia

I awoke to a quiet that told me

snow had fallen

Magic blanket that kissed the ground

and faded

in time for me to take

my one-pedaled bicycle

and ride (in my grandmother’s skirt)

to a dance I had never attended

where, in a mixer

your eyes twinkled

So I came and talked to you later

leaning against the wall,

standing by the chair where you sat.

Unpracticed and hopeful,

I asked you about yourself

Dazzled . . .

Together we had enough money

for two Dr. Peppers

which bought us a table at Carney’s

and time to talk

Our voices alive, our hands animated

Leaning towards each other —

Intentional community

Bell curves, affinity . . .

You drove me home

(my bike in the back)

Our parting kiss held a promise

“I like your ideas,” you said

thus assuring that I would take interest

The rest, well

The rest was destiny.

©Wendy Mulhern

February 9, 2012