Southern Gentleman Poem by Linda Batchelder

Upon first meeting
I was wholly smitten
By the wit and wisdom of this man.
Soft grey suit and finest silken tie;
Eyes that danced
With light and laughter;
Education and romance
Dripped like cool water
From his soft spoken tongue.
Retreat was not an option.

Against all odds and
Without hesitation,
We moved into each other,
Instinctively and unabashed.
For a time we shared
Our souls and secrets
Upon a bed of lust and love.
My need for him became
Much greater than addiction.

So quietly and quickly
As he, his entrance made;
Too soon, with softer step,
He exited the same.
On looking back
These long years past,
No thorns or faded petals find
Upon this rose of love;
For I remember what it was
As well as what it could have been.