Elusive Mr. Right Poem by Lois Read

Where were you
my other half, severed
from me, according to Aristophanes,
before time began
each of us spun around,
blindfolded
until dizzy
then sent out
to find our other half.

I looked for you
in all the usual places
found only strangers
speaking languages
I did not know.
Were you hiding then
under the broad leaf
of the jack-in-the -pulpit
afraid to face me at the altar?

Did you not realize
that Noah was commissioned
to populate the ark
with pairs?
That you and I were destined
to weld our separate selves
to one strong whole?
Did you not feel but half a self
like me?

If you saw me
and feared my strength
and fled
so be it.
My half of our cleft heart
beats strong
a metronome
counting cadence
as I march on alone.