The Meet-Cute

Interior of the restaurant/bar, The Whale's Tail.   There is dance music playing over the sound system.  Music and voices mingling with the sounds of clinking glasses; blenders; and fountain drinks being poured, etc.  

Shannon and Rebecca walk through the front doors passing the restaurant seating area; stopping at the bar to order a couple of drinks.  Rebecca prefers Alabama Slammers while Shannon prefers Pina Coladas.  After picking up their drinks they walk down the ramp towards the dance floor and then to the back corner where their friend John is working as the D.J. for the evening.

Shannon:  Hey, John! (Shannon smiles and waves at John as she walks down the ramp from the bar.  Her blonde locks bouncing in rhythm to her steps - Rebecca trailing behind her.)

John:  Hey!  It's great to see you guys. (John waves back with a big grin - looking at each of the girls.  Rebecca nods and smiles at the same time.)

Shannon:  We thought that we would hang out with you tonight. (Shannon continues walking toward John, pulling Rebecca by the arm.)

John:  That's great.  I enjoy the company. (John directs them to the table and chairs behind the D.J. Booth.)

John: I see you got drinks already. (John pushes coasters towards Rebecca and Shannon.)

John:  Tracy has been bringing me drinks -- so if you need anything ask her. (John nods towards the waitress at the bar.)

Shannon:  Thanks, John. (Shannon tilts her head and winks.)

Random Guy:  Hey would you like to dance? (Random Guy walks up to Rebecca; then stands with his left hand on his hip and his right hand extended.)

Rebecca:  Sure (Rebecca nods and rises to her feet.  They walk to the dance floor as popular dance music is pumped through the speakers, passing the bouncer standing nearby.  He smiles at Rebecca.  Rebecca returns the smile and blushes.  Rebecca and random guy dance to the music.  When the song finishes they walk to a table on the other side of the dance floor opposite the D.J. Booth.)

Random Guy:  Would you like a drink?  (Random Guy pulls out a chair for Rebecca.)

Rebecca: A coke is fine. (As Rebecca sits and scoots forward towards the table.  Random guy walks to the bar and orders a couple of drinks.  Rebecca looks around the bar and then towards the D.J. booth to catch Shannon's eye - making sure that Shannon knew where she was.  John looks up from the deck and smiles at Rebecca, raising a thumb.  Rebecca smirks back and then looks away.)

Random Guy #1:  What do you do? (Random guy places the drinks on the table and sits int he chair to her right - scooting his chair closer to her.  Too close, making an exit impossible from that side.)

Rebecca:  What do you mean? (Rebecca scoots her chair back and to the left.)

Random Guy #1:  Do you work? (Random Guy #1 leans in.)

Random Guy #2:  Hey, who's this? (appearing  to the left of Rebecca, taking a seat and scooting toward her - Rebecca now between the two guys.)

Random Guy #1: Oh... I didn't ask. (Random Guy #1 looking at Rebecca, raising his right eyebrow.)

Rebecca:  I'm Rebecca.  (Rebecca looks at both men and quickly looks around the room to find her friends.  Sees John at the D.J. booth but does not see Shannon.)

Random Guy #1: Hi Rebecca, I'm Kent.  This is my buddy Triston.  (Kent points to Triston and both men smile at Rebecca. )

Rebecca:  Hi.  (Rebecca continues to look around the room for her friend.)

Triston: Do you come here often? (Rebecca's head snaps towards Triston in surprise and then her eyes settle on his face.)

Rebecca:  A little cliche, don't you think? (Rebecca picks up her coke with her right hand and takes a sip.)

Triston:  Well, I haven't seen you before.  (Triston places his right hand on the back of Rebecca's chair.)

Rebecca:  Like I said, cliche. (Rebecca sets the drink down on the table.)

Rebecca:  My friend and I are friends with the D.J. (Rebecca nods towards the D.J. booth, making eye contact with John who nods back, also making eye contact with Triston. )

Triston:  Oh, that's nice.  Hey, would you like to dance?  (Triston turns back towards Rebecca, scooting his chair away from the table.)

Rebecca: Not really.  (Rebecca picks up her drink and takes another sip.)

Kent: Dance with my buddy.  (Rebecca turns towards Kent and notices that he has scooted closer.)

Rebecca:  I'd rather not.  (Rebecca turns and looks around the room again for her friend.)

Rebecca:  I really need to get back to my friends. (She spots Shannon standing next to Victor - they are talking and smiling - they begin to laugh when Rebecca catches their attention - she mouths to them:  "Help Me". - they laugh.)

Kent: How about another one of those drinks I saw you drinking earlier? (Rebecca turns to look at Kent.)

Rebecca: No.  I'm a one-drink girl. (Rebecca frowns at Kent and folds her hands in her lap.)

Kent:  Triston, why don't you get us some drinks?  (Kent looks at Triston - both have smirks on their faces.)

Triston:  Will do.  (Triston jumps up and walks briskly towards the bar.)

Kent: We could go to my place to hang.  (Kent leans towards Rebecca - taking in a deep inhale through his nose - like he is smelling her hair.)

Rebecca:  No, I'm here with my friend.  (Rebecca leans away from Kent.)

Kent:  Hey, Triston you should ask Rebecca's friend to join us.  (Kent looks up noticing that Triston has returned with drinks.)

Triston:  Who's that? (Triston looking excited.)

Kent:  The blonde behind the D.J. booth.  (Rebecca, Kent, and Triston all look towards the D.J. booth.  Shannon doesn't notice as she is talking with John.)

Rebecca: We have plans after, so neither of us is available. (Rebecca lies quickly.)

Bouncer: Hey honey.  I think it's time to go home.  (Bouncer places both of his hands on Rebecca's shoulders, leaning in to speak into her left ear.  Rebecca jumps and then settles into her seat.)

Rebecca: Okay.  (Rebecca turns to look at the bouncer and smiles timidly.)

Rebecca:  See yah.  (As the bouncer pulls the chair out for her, Rebecca stands up quickly, smiles at Triston and Kent, takes the bouncers extended arm as she turns away.  Kent and Triston have bewildered looks.)

Bouncer:  Hi, my name is Victor.  (Victor and Rebecca turn their heads to look at each other.)

Rebecca:  Hi, I'm Rebecca.  (Rebecca smiles at Victor and Victor smiles back.)

Victor: I know.  Your friends told me.  (Both Victor and Rebecca looking forward as they continue to walk past the bar, through the restaurant, and out the front door.)

Rebecca:  Yeah, I bet they did.   (Standing at the entrance of the restaurant, Rebecca leans against the wall.)

Victor: Your friend, Shannon, asked me to wait to see if you could get yourself out of the situation. (Victor stands facing Rebecca with his arms crossed and his legs shoulder-width apart.  His arms ripped and dark against the white polo shirt.)

Rebecca: Sounds like her.  (Rebecca lowers her head, looking at her feet.)

Victor:  Did you really need me to intervene? (Victor sounding genuine.)

Rebecca: Yeah... I never know how to handle guys like that. (Rebecca looks up - placing her hands behind her back with her palms pressing into the wall.)

Victor: Well it is probably a good thing that I came to your rescue. (Victor leans against the opposite wall, crossing his legs.)

Rebecca:  Yeah...  Although, I never would have left with them...  Shannon would have punched one of them. (Both Victor and Rebecca laugh, both lowering their arms to rest along their sides.)

Chain Reaction

The red potato pressed against the grater gradually shrunk as thin slices landed on the cutting board below.  In anticipation of a scrumptious meal, several potatoes were quickly sliced and rinsed. Abruptly the slicing stopped as the long blade sliced into the tender flesh of one of the fingers holding the potato.  Potato released in that microsecond when the brain registered the pain and the crimson blood beaded and streamed down the finger and into the palm.

Still tender to the touch; days later the wound will begin to heal.

He left her alone on the porch; walking away with his head bowed low.  She watched as he slowly turned to look at her one last time before getting into his Ford Probe.  Tears flowing freely, she grasped her chest as her heart ached from the breaking.  Clutching her sides she collapsed to the ground sobbing.  So exquisite the pain she had forgotten about the cut on her finger.  As instantly as her brain had registered the cut it had also registered the pain of loss and rejection.

How long will it take for this wound to heal; a lifetime perhaps.

This instantaneous chain reaction; manifesting pain, is meant to protect - warning us to stop what it is that we are doing that causes pain.  What is the purpose of emotional pain when there isn’t a way to prevent or abate it?  The sensory nerves in our body don’t differentiate between physical and emotional pain.  They are simply the vehicle to send impulses about what is happening in our environment to the brain via the spinal cord.

Sonnet: I Dreamt It Once

I dreamt and imagined me in your arms

My heart racing; secure in your embrace

Eyes wide open; gazing upon your face

Arms tangled; gently breathing; safe from harm

Across my neck; your kisses leaving lines

Gentle hands tracing lines from spine to breast

Lips lingering at nape of neck; to rest

Your hands caress and press against my spine

Only imagined and but a dream it seems

Hands touching; fingers laced; holding tighter

Beautiful daydreams make my heart lighter

Wishing to keep; afraid to lose the dreams

I dream and imagine it all again

To dream; to imagine; again and again.

Beneath The Trees

For one bright year, it was just me and thee

Playing beneath the apple and pear trees.

Along came another so bright and fair

Teary,  glassy, blue eyes and dark brown hair.

Little mothers to be beneath the trees

Learning to love, nurture, snuggle and tease.

Another year together, me and thee

Playing beneath the apple and pear trees.

Seasons and places change for me and thee

We still find time to play beneath the trees.

Picking each peach and plum found at our feet

Washing, slicing, so sugar sweet to eat.

What once was three becomes four and then five

Our little home, buzzing like a beehive.

Another year together, me and thee

Playing beneath old deciduous trees.

Yet time moves on beneath all ancient trees

Who lonely, wish to be near me and thee.

Ancient, the black walnut rests on the hill

Swaying and bending with each little shrill.

The rope drawn taught as we clung to the tires

Our gangly legs reached higher and higher.

What once was five becomes six and seven

Two precious spirits from spires of heaven.

For many years it was just me and thee

Dancing and playing beneath the palm trees.

They stretched high above us touching blue skies

Until I found him gazing in your eyes.

We witnessed vows born of a love divine

Both your hands' commingling and intertwined.

One last moment it was just me and thee

Before you left me beneath a lone tree.

Years passed without the company of thee

I think of you beneath my citrus trees.

Alone, you raised your four and I my three

Who played and laughed beneath our separate trees.

Again time moves on beneath the ancient trees

Who lonely, wish to be near me and thee.

Another day will pass for me and thee

One standing, one sleeping beneath the trees.

Free Verse - I Dreamt It Once

I dreamt it once:

Gentle hands; fingers tracing lines 

From spine to breast.

Long deep breaths flowing across my neck

Lips lingering to trace the heartbeat there.

The world turning like a top; 

passion swinging, swaying.

I dreamt it once again:

Hands touching, fingers laced, holding tighter

A long embrace.

Warm waves ascending from deep inside

Where passion alone resides.

Heart racing, labored breathing, eyes open - 

Wide awake.

I imagined once:

You there, arms wrapped around;

Me securely in your embrace.

You leaning, me looking up into your eyes

Warm, soft buttery lips against mine.

I imagined it again:

You walked into the room; confident

I looked away - ashamed I dreamt of you that way

You came closer still; I could feel you near

Me hoping to hide - the shame I felt inside.

Every day I see you,

I dream and imagine it all over again.

I do not wish you to know,

But do enjoy these daydreams so.

One day you did not come,

My heart breaking - I wept inside.

I wish to keep you - afraid to lose the dream

My heart is breaking - I weep inside.

UNREQUITED

UNREQUITED

If it exists; it remains out of reach.

Dodging, twisting, racing, shrinking away

I had it once upon a time - true love.

Or so I thought - ripping, shredding, tearing

It left me - completely.  Alone in the dark.

Believing once of Faith, Hope, Charity, Love

Virtues often lauded within sacred text.

A knight in shining armor - no, mercenary

With twin rapiers strapped across his back

My virtues stripped and laid bare - sprawling - lifeless -

Left for dead.

Stretched across the un-sodden earth;

Naked

Ashamed

Alone

And he with his unsheathed, 

bloody rapiers; thrusting; carving away pieces

Taking what he owned.

Festering - fibrous cancer - all that remains

Broken - battered - beaten - barren - betrayed.

Faith: belief or trust in the unseen -

 trusting love exists.

Without my shade - the rapier’s senseless sacrifice -

My compass lost -

True love out of reach - the rapier’s cost.

Broken; soul to soul, I heard your voice - a plea

An echo of my own - kindred spirit - unknown

A seed planted - kindness sprouted

An echo back to me.

What was it that you said?  Or was it how you said it?

Feelings long buried sprung up - reaching - grasping

Rootless - shriveling away.

Oh troubled heart - not free to love another

Tethered to lovelessness - longing to break free.

My soul, trapped in its cage of bones

Fingers clasped tightly - ribs aching, cracking.

Lungs restricted; labored breathing - shaking.

You looked at me - my heart leaping from sorrow into hope

dragged back down

The pit - so dark - so isolated - lost - alone.

You draw near - I hear the ebb and flow of your breath

Your warm embrace imagined; my head resting on your chest.

You speak - I watch - curious - lips; are they soft?

Your tenderness; your caress - my broken heart - beating.

I sit staring at the rapiers on the wall - sheathed -

There they remain.

Afraid to pass them and cross the threshold

To the freedom and release; 

out there; somewhere.

You, the beacon, in the darkness, leading me,

Beaconing me - shackled where I stand

And you - out of reach.

Imagined - your touch, your caress, your embrace.

Iron chains; in your place

And you - unaware.

Holding my shade.

So with the dagger drawn from between my breasts

With a single cut - I remove the pain - 

 rising away on ethereal wings;

Yet, you remain.

Another cut - fueled passion; flames and dies - 

ash and cinder scattered across the night skies.

Yet, you remain.

Once more - grasping;  your lips and hands out of reach - 

cherry blossoms flung away

Yet, you remain.

Cold, unyielding steel against my flesh

A sigh escapes my untouched lips - a whispered “please”  

Acquiesced, relinquished life.

Still, you remain.

I marvel at the gaping wounds, where flesh and sinew meet

Crimson beads, slowly rising

Tears flowing - washing - welling up

Love’s well-spring overflowing;

You remain.

You, my soulmate - never knowing;

Cradling my shade.

I retrace each cut a little deeper -

 a little longer - stinging.  Hoping to cut it all away.

Pressed against the skin - I drive the silver blade - leaving its white shadow.

Releasing; lifting - flesh falling away - beautiful scarlet lines revealed -

All that remains.

Muscles contracting and veins weeping

Through blinding tears I see.

You remain:

 Forbidden, unrequited, my love.

My Shade.

Another Adventure

My time is near for another adventure -
One where my life should have meant something.

I feel the sun on my face as I
Watch it set for me; possibly
one last time.

I hope I still have time to do so
Many things I haven't done yet.

The backpacking across Europe remains
On my list.

I wish I could still do that; with
Someone who would want to see
Europe too.

I think I want to spend a year
There exploring the space and nature.

Maybe I'll paint the Italian sky -
You know the light is different there.

Maybe I'll spend time at a Sicilian
Vineyard; learning how to grow grapes

And then learning how to make wine.
Maybe, I'll create a label; leaving
Something of myself behind.

I would like to explore so many places
Like Stonehenge; the Louvre, Kensington
Palace and Westminster Abbey.

Maybe I'd take you; the you that is
Most important to me; the you that
Fills my soul with light.

Maybe I'll leave this life as you hold
Me.  We'll be watching the Mediterranean
Sunset; with me cradled in your arms.

But, what will I be leaving?  Have I
Made a difference?  Will I be
Remembered after I'm gone?

Will you remember me?

I'll remember you; the spark of life
That you've given me.  I will
Cherish it and protect it.

I still have time.

I will leave my mark.

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