Upon Another Time. Poem by Fay Slimm

Yet another day to fill, she turned away,
Her sigh dare not be heard. It was Maytime
And she was needed at the special play
Which village lads and lasses would be miming.
Food was being organised, the feast arrived
But busy as she was a tear fell down,
Unguarded, and another filled her eye.
Shaking fine dark curls, smoothing velvet gown
She grieved inwardly. He was not there, sharing
At this festive board as before, beguiling
Her with tales of foreign lands, his daring
Life at sea gave much to tell. Her father's face
Recorded some displeasure at her blushes
When he looked her way. Later they embraced
Beneath the chestnut tree. Behind the bushes
He, in time, took her virginity, alas
He went away again, and now she feared
The consequence of child. Such barriers
She must overcome, he was gone, poor she
Could only weep and wait, and look to sea.