FIRST DATE by Sheri Lindner

There are moments when we stand almost suspended in time…

… when we hold a silken cord that binds us to the past and connects us to a time that lies ahead, as yet unseen. 

Writing this poem was such a moment, as memory rushed in, of a time of quiet, pure sweetness one ordinary afternoon that imprinted itself on my heart, making that afternoon something far more than ordinary.   

The love that floated between us, like the steam rising from our hot chocolates, traveled the years, transforming with each place it touched. 

And now when that love is a gift to someone else, there is the silken cord, each fiber spun and strengthened by love, that I still hold.

First Date

You don’t remember our first date

but I do, you

in that kelly cabled sweater

that made your hazel eyes

as green as new clover.

We stroll through town,

find ourselves

at the corner European patisserie

nearly empty at this hour.

Across from each other

at a small round table,

there is nothing

pressing we have

to do this fine afternoon but

sip hot chocolate

and blot each other’s

whipped cream moustaches.

After, we stroll some more

until you tell me urgently

that you have to go.

There is no choice, nowhere to turn

but to duck around the next corner

and just go.

The cop does not have a sense of humor

and I’m guessing no small son

who has just shed his diapers

and drunk too much

on his first date with his mom.

Today you asked

her the question,

gave her the ring,

and I, who was her place holder,

remember that first date

that took up quiet residence

in your cells

and in mine.

                           

                                      October 14, 2010

Pictured is the author's son on his wedding day~

Sheri Lindner, Ph.D., a former teacher of English, and currently a clinical psychologist, is also a poet and essayist interested in the processes of development and maturation as they are reflected in Biblical stories and children’s literature.  Her writings have appeared in Jewish Currents, The Reconstructionist, Reconstructionism Today, Kerem, Jewish Women's Literary Annual, Poetica, Performance Poets Association Literary Review, Matzoh Ball Soup, Soul-Lit, The Ritual Well, and The New York Times.

~If you are interested in seeing your poetry appear in this blog, or submitting a poem by a woman that has inspired you, please click here for submission guidelines. I greatly look forward to hearing from you!~