Memories Poem by nikki hays

I remember the painted glistening sands
Reflections of my past coming and going
Like the tides of the beaches on which we once stood
Memories ebb and flow, dancing glances in the corners of my mind

You held me close, looking in my eyes,
Lovers embrace as we swore undying allegiance to us
To our lives never changing always and eternally the same
This was the time of the moon, the time of romance, our time to shine

I watched listlessly as you climbed aboard the gargantuan steel bird
I waved what was it seems my final goodbye tears stinging my face
'Ill return to you' your promise still lingering in my thoughts
As if the twenty odd years that have passed kept it fresh as a pressed rose

Love lives and dies, or so they say in books of old
Turning the pages of our life together I still cry
Then, out of the darkness a touch soft and warm
Your hand strokes my cheek as you whisper, 'I am with you'

I know time has faded the memories now but they linger still
Your scent still fresh on the pillow where you lay your head
Once upon a time I was yours and you were mine
I will never forget your warm body pressing against me in the darkness

Then one day after you disappeared into the blue
A soldier tall and handsome came to the door with a tear in his eye
The words seemed to choke him as he spoke gently to me
The painful words I wished never to hear...'I'm sorry' then blank

I still hold your memory, your smile, in my mind
Your strength giving me courage and I know your truly still here
Sitting on the porch I watch and wait hoping you will return to me
Twenty long years and I cannot say goodbye, you will come home

In hand the old papers tattered fragile and torn
I cannot bring myself to mourn or grieve
You will return... you promised the day you had to leave
At least over the years I’ve held you close... I have your memory