Pages Of The Past Poem by David Ellsworth

When I dare return to the pages of my past
Turning each one with embarrassment and shame
With regret, remorse and self incrimination
I finally come to you
Like purifying balms you came to me
Luring me gently with a smile and touch
To be the best I could lest you be disappointed
To create another page of my indictments

You taught me of the simplicity of life
“What do you want to do today? ”
“I want to be happy”
And you reduced life itself to its foundation
“It’s something to do”
You taught me about priorities and philosophy
“Worry.... if that’s really what you want to do
Or we can go to the lake and count the swans”

And like all things, the problems disappeared
The challenges, goals and ambitions melted into folly
And the reasons for all things homogenized into us
And the enchantment of coffee-flavored kisses
On a bright and promising morning
Became our religion, hope, destiny and dream
And it was beautiful then.... in a two room flat
In the Alps of a city where love once lived