I Love You Most Of All! Poem by Louise Tredoux

The porridge burnt, the coffee too strong,
toast inedible, sunny-side up ended as
scrambled eggs, I nearly crept back into
bed, it is as you’ve said, once one thing
goes wrong, the rest is apt to follow,
I fell off the stairs, broke a glass, the
sugar upset, the mess and the schlep.

On my way to town, the bus broke down,
flagged down a taxi, for the first time
having fun, my sorrows forgotten in the
sunny atmosphere, the African tunes
calming my turbulent mind, the voices
of friendship and help to get down.

The market throng, a flower stall, the
library, a book by Andrew Murray,
meeting Juliette at the coffee-shop,
confessing my tragedy in sympathetic
ears, drying my tears.

A note from you, too scared to open,
walked down to the beach, ready for the
worst, planning my funeral, lots of flowers,
the local orchestra playing a funeral march,
a white coffin and my body, sad face and
white burial dress.

In self-pity I never saw you coming – a
miracle, a note and you, you laughed away
my fears, held me in your lap while I read
your note; all is forgiven, you were too eager;
I too inexperienced, you love me just as I am.

No need for geisha training and videos to
borrow from a store, you proceeded with
lesson number 1, progress most satisfactory,
you reported, going is slow, but inexorable,
now the problem has been identified.

A correctional curriculum is advised, your
training in teaching stand you in good stead,
I’m not a lazy pupil, you love me more
than before, but I love you
most of all!