Calm Before the Storm

It seemed we were dreaming the same dream.

Wild Polynesia bananas and cream for breakfast.

Sunlight and reflective ocean waters

In every corner of the glass bottom suite.

The two of us walking the shore at sunrise.

The very first evening, however,

We found ourselves unsure of what comes next.

It was supposed to be honeymoon time,

But dark clouds hung high,

Threatening to make themselves known.

Like tragic actors in a fire engulfed theater,

With the flaming wings of tropical birds

Flapping over our heads.

The dark palm trees eerily still.

Each shell beneath our feet

Bloodied by sundown.

Then…

Back in suite

Gazing beneath our bodies at the clear waters

Beneath the transparency of glass,

Sipping wine while  seeing happiness drowning below,

As clouds on the horizon

Became human in form,

Morphing into what might have been arms of shelter,

Save for the air that suddenly became scented

With acrid non-descript odor,

The seduction of will taking form.

Night suddenly became a starless night,

You lighting a candle,

Carrying to our bed of comfort.

You blowing the dream’s flame into nothingness

As tempest storm raged overhead

Foreshadowing error in judgement,

My hubris blind to the obvious,

Yet, tenacious to the end.

Yet...

Now, 31 years later,

Finding what love is truly about.