Cliff Top Path Poem by John A'Hern

A walk along a familiar cliff top path
Scenery, seagulls and Ocean waves
Memorial benches replace graves
A name or names etched in a plaque
I read each one and sit and chat
Join us and share your stories
Plaque invitation, from Doris and Jim
Talking out loud relating thoughts today
Hope that no one comes this way
Too late, a couple pass by, they stop and smile
They asked if they could join me awhile
I gestured a welcome, they sat either side
Continuing with my story telling
My story flowed without embarrassment
They smiled and nodded, occasionally laughing
Story all finished they stood
Standing there saying farewells
In the moment no names exchanged
My name is John I quietly explained
They introduced themselves as Doris and Jim
They walked away while their names sank in
Names on the bench quite plain to see
I ran up the path where they had headed
No sign of anyone for miles and miles
Standing there I could not control a smile
Need to control this imagination of mine.