Poetry Collection 3

The Day We Met

I clearly remember the day that we met,
The sky was clear but the ground was wet.
You strode down the hall with a helmet on,
Grumbling something about killing John.
As you passed by, your leathers squeaked,
Your back was hunched and you dragged your feet.

Fumes of oil and wet animal hide,
Swirled in your wake as you shuffled by.
You stopped at the door, your chest rose and fell,
Deep breaths, shoulders squared, easing nerves I could tell.
Off came the helmet, your hair tumbled free,
You turned around and smiled at me.

A sparkle of mischief shone in your eyes,
A twist of your lips as you nodded goodbye.
In you strode after knocking the door,
That's when the bell rang, I would see you no more.
I made it to class but the tutor was late,
Then in you strode with a spring to your gait.

And there was that twinkle that lit up your eyes,
Confidence projected, this I knew to be lies.
You told us your name with a shaky voice,
And how John was sick and you had no choice.
Your eyes scanned the room but no fear did I see,
You're our substitute tutor barely older than me.

At the end of the day you stopped for a chat,
Then on went the helmet but still you sat.
On and on we talked, late into the night,
Untill the moon left us with very little light.
You left me standing watching you leave,
At the end of the road, you stopped for a wave.

There I stood until I could see you no more,
The engine sounds fading, no longer a roar.
I remember the moment, I spotted the light,
A solitary beam that lit up my life.
I smiled as your hair fell free,
The helmet removed so you could kiss me.

I clearly remember the night that we kissed,
Your sigh as we parted, lips already missed.
Butterflies fluttered as you drove off again,
Into the night, then it started to rain.
Drenched to skin but I didn't feel cold,
Your lips left a tingle that's yet to grow old.

Now here I sit after twenty-eight years,
The sound of your laughter only a memory to my ears.
That sparkle of life has gone from your eyes,
Proud father asleep, adoring kids by your side.
Your passing has left a huge hole in my heart,
Without your light, I'm alone in the dark.

I will always remember the day that we met,
I will never forget the day that you left.

Sleep well my love. Till we meet again.

Jim - 13/12/1966 - 01/02/2017