River of Dreams, Rhythm of Life

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._N._Taber

Today’s poem has not appeared on this blog since 2009. I am airing it today especially for ‘George’ whose wife died earlier this year after 50+ years of marriage. George got in touch to say, ‘I am not gay, but love the poem as it makes me feel close to my dear, late wife.’ He adds, ‘In matters of the heart, I don’t suppose it matters who you are or whether you are gay or straight…’

Ah, George, I’m glad you like the poem, and am so sorry for your loss, but have to say that last sentence is music to my ears. [Yes, life is better for many gay people than it used to be, but it depends where you live in the world and whether or not you are growing up in a gay-friendly home/school environment. Better for many,  yes, but as tough as ever for others.]

RIVER OF DREAMS, RHYTHM OF LIFE

I recall one long lovely summer

when we‘d stroll beside a river

discovering more about each other

than we ever knew before

I recall how we lay in long grass,

shared our first shy, gay kiss,

soaking us with more happiness

than we ever knew before

I recall how our naked bodies

mingled with butterflies,

a more glorious heat embracing us

than we ever knew before

In your arms, my cheek against

your bare chest…

in nature’s hands more blessed

than we ever knew before

Before we dressed, another kiss

could but let the grass

play a sweeter song on our bodies

than we ever knew before

We walked hand in hand along

the river bank, its love song

ours to keep, righting any wrong

others had done us before

Years on, we stroll by a river,

chatting with each other,

your ghost and I, as much together

as we ever were before

[From: Tracking the Torchbearer by R. N. Taber, Assembly Books, 2012]