Blushing Love
……………………………………………………………………

If memory serves me right,
It was a Thursday…
When week’s pressure
Had gotten to me…
I needed to escape.

With always a bag packed,
And bedroll tucked behind
The seat…only the simple
Task of strapping kayak on
Roof rack...and a stop for a
Bit of cash…held me back.

Stopping at crossroads
Of interstate…closing
My eyes briefly…
Dousing for heart’s
Sense of direction…

It was pedal to the metal…
Due south…ignoring as
Usual…posted speed limits,
With windows down…
Wind grooming hair,
To style of freedom.

Two A.M. arrival
Into seaport town,
Found only coffee shop
Still open…
A cup or two of caffeine
Was welcomed…
Conversation too.

The screech of braking
Rubber…you damned near
Plowed me…
Horrid scowl turned to smile
Quickly…at sight of your
Blushing face.

Appeasing wave and subtle
Shrug…saw you on your way,
Hometown newsprint
Had caught my focus,
Until meek and timid
Voice interrupted.

Your face still red
As you offered to
Pay my tab as
Retribution…for
Scaring the hell
Out of me.

The tour of town
You gave me…
In darkness of night,
Found us in the light
Of new coming day…
Lying on bedroll,
Cushioned by sand…
Watching dolphins
Teaching their young…

As we drifted off
To sleep…sun
Warming us…
But not nearly as
Much as hours of
Expired conversation.

I woke to find you closer…
With skin turning red…
Again,
I covered you…with me,
Your eyes opened with
Satisfaction…you lead
Me to the shade
Of your bed.

We laughed in the waves,
Rolling naked in the breakers…
Hidden by night…
Drying off between sheets,
Brought laughter again.

Morning came too quickly,
With reality lying between us…
One more day together,
Would not be enough
To satisfy a lifetime
Of dreams…
Were your tears real ?

Panic set in with time racing…
Promises were made that we
Knew couldn’t be kept…
I tried my best,
But it takes two…

I can’t help but wonder,
If you blushed again
When memories found you…
As you watched rolling surf,
Washing love out to sea.

Erin Woods