So Then It Happened Poem by Elizabeth Shield

So then it happened
And I stood there, a tidal wave of questions
Looming over me like a thundercloud
And I felt a sharp breath of air enter my lungs

I couldn’t believe, just couldn’t
After all this time, all those good times
That our friendship would be so altered
Perhaps, as a butterfly emerges from its cocoon

Papery wings brush the air by my ear
But its not a butterfly, floating by
Its coarse black hair, wavy black hair
And my hair is not black but brown

And I sigh and agree
Relief is not my only feeling,
And as the butterflies fly away
I lean into your hug, and

Feeling your hands on my back
Let myself be swung round in circles
Because we are so happy
We never want to break away

But we do and then,
The tidal wave is gone
But the questions remain
Bobbing ‘bout my head

I brush them away
And we walk down the hall
All doubt suspended
With your hand in mine

So then it happened
And I stand here, hugging you
Knowing as my mind sings
That wherever this may go
The future looks bright