The Pond
(May 7, 2012)

She waited for him by the swings
Near the pond where they first met
That sunny glorious day.
She swung herself higher and higher
Reaching for the clouds, for the memories
They shared on that day and beyond.

Half an hour passed in a blur
And dizziness overcame her, so strong.
She thought she saw him on the swing,
Flying next her in a similar rhythm.
She reached out her right hand to the swing
But there was no one there but the wind
Making the swing soar up to the heavens.

Tears began to pour down her face
At his absence she couldn't bear,
At their one year anniversary
She would be spending alone.

Through the heavy downpour
She thought she saw him again
Standing by the pond's willow tree
Feeding a family of ducks.

He glanced at her for a brief moment,
A smile so radiant, so captivating.
Then he knelt down on one knee
And removed a black velvet box
From inside his navy jacket.

He slowly opened the box
And a ring shown in the sunlight,
A white gold band with a precious pearl
Surrounded by brilliant diamonds.

I love you, Jane. Will you marry me?
He whispered in the breeze.
I love you, Ben. Of course I'll marry you.
She whispered back to him.

She jumped off the swings
And ran to the pond with open arms,
But she didn't stop running.
She ran and ran until she fell into the pond.
Knowing that Ben wasn't there on bended knee,
And the pearl ring was on display at the store.

The pond had taken Ben away from her,
And it was the only portal
That would unite them once more
On this sunny glorious day.

© 2012 Lena Kovadlo

 This poem is included in the poetry book A Crimson Tide.