Chestnut hair gleamed
auburn in the midday light
while her laughing blue eyes
crowned a smile that offered
friendship’s delight.

Yet he most recalled
her dancing blue shoes …

She married another
unaware of his adoration;
he sailed to the Pacific
a patriot fighting
for her and his nation.

In the jungle heat he thought
of her dancing blue shoes …

A black veil covered
her young face, hiding tears,
from two small children.
A widow facing the world
bearing life’s hard-earned souvenirs.

He saw her pain and
remembered sadly the dancing blue shoes …

In haste and fear, she married again
still unaware of his deep affection.
Another child was born
before she discovered her husband’s
and best friend’s defection.

He longed to see her happy again
in her dancing blue shoes …

With courage born of desire
he offered friendship (and love unstated)
until she realized the depth
of her feelings for the gentle man
who had so patiently waited.

She wore her dancing blue shoes
to their wedding …

Decades passed, their union strong
and blessed by four darling girls.
Happiness filled their home as
they danced through life --
her blue shoes in graceful twirls.

And he loved her until the day he died.