A Weekend of Poetry by the Fireplace

 In a room lit by the flickering flames of the fireplace, a reflection of the fire danced across her beautiful bright eyes, warming and caressing me from within. Anxious to recite the poems I'd chosen the week before for our getaway weekend in an ethereal setting overlooking Oak Street Beach in Chicago. As the fall sky's clear and picturesque body revealed the majestic memory of the night, a cool breeze whistled against the balcony door; Tamia asked if I could make the evening a little warmer, a glass of Mango Moscato perhaps? Of course, I didn't know you noticed the wine chilling near the fireplace, but I would be delighted to pour you and me a drink. Is there anything else you desire before we chase this poetic labyrinth into the sunrise? No, but why the maze? I'm glad that you asked, Paul replied.

I've chosen a selection that will have you wanting more and more weekends like this one, but different in many ways nonetheless. 

I also used the word maze as a metaphor to symbolize the different stories each one will tell.

The first poem that I would share must embrace this beautiful evening. 

"Tu Amor Es Como Un Oceano... Your Love is Like an Ocean" 

Oooh... Please continue, spoke, Tamia! 

Paul found Tamia intrigued by the title and gracefully continued to the first recital.

"Tu Amor Es Como Un Oceano... Your Love is Like an Ocean" 

-Fading into the night are the kisses that confound me

An array of morning dew, heavenly scented as the first Spring rain

-A Lotus... Flowering my eyes with laughter

A joy that gives energy to my sight, and solace upon my restless soul

-Motionless are my thoughts, awaiting your every yearning

Quieted beneath the unobtrusive layers of virtues encompassing your ethereal beauty

-Gasping, I am at your very presence as the sunlight searches what little space that exists between us

For with you, Mi Amor, loneliness is alone

Beneath you, aside you, a top you... I am wherever you are

Even without you near, I am engulfed in the absence of your presence

Flowing in what fragrance you left behind

-Nevertheless, weakened am I- if a sadness is borrowed

Where moments lost are as vapors of aloes and Myrrh

A fragrance cheapening the illusions of your existence

Without your love, I have become but a leaf

Tossed to and fro by an unsettling wind

-Vehemently, I thirst for you, defying the laws of nature

Frolicking as I canvas - even the silhouette mimicking

your every move

-For you, Mi Amor, are an ocean of love

A vessel I have become... As one who searches the depths of your aquatic floor. © 

Tamia gasped at the ending, sweetly sighing and blushing as the look on her face suggested that Paul had written the poem just for her. She asked that Paul would recite this lovely poem once more, and of course, Paul was delighted.

After the second reading of the poem, Paul couldn't help but notice how cozy things were becoming as Tamia nestled closely and reassuringly next to Paul. Tamia would ask if another poem could be read tomorrow, as she wanted to embrace further the reading of the first poem, "Your Love is Like the Ocean."

Considering the apparent nudge of closeness, Paul agrees without hesitation. The wind began dying down just a tad as they gazed into each other's eyes. Paul stood next to Tamia as she sat, and he reached out his hand as he motioned toward the patio, pointing at the night sky's brilliance. She motioned slowly as Tamia's back was now facing him. Tamia looked with a gentle stare of embrace in Paul's eyes and whispered, nights like this one, I wish, could last forever.

Paul's soft-spoken voice uttered the exact words as Tamia met his last word with a kiss ever so softly upon his lips. The rest of the evening spoke for itself as Paul held Tamia closely throughout the night. Unsurprisingly, the morning would begin where the night would end, searching Tamia's thoughts with his poetically crafted words and phrases. You see, Paul, a hopeless romantic in his own right, believes in love at first sight; the second and third time seeing, Tamia confirmed what Paul saw initially. Tamia, on the other hand, still floating on cloud nineteen, began to recite the beautiful poem from memory. Paul was impressed and surprised that Tamia could remember most of the poem so well. He even asked, how could you? When did you? Wow, this is awesome. Well, if you must know, when I got up this morning, a few hours before you, I read the poem over and over again; I love what you wrote so much, the romance, the dance between words and phrases; why I have never heard anything like it before. 

Now Tamia said, I am ready for another. Is it possible to leave me breathless once more? She exclaimed. I hope this following poem suits the morning dew that has refreshed the foliage. 

Again, Paul saw the intrigue in Tamia's eyes, encouraging him to satisfy her desires. The following poem will do just that, teasing Tamia with the suspense of what is coming next.

"Breakfast with Her" will be the poem next in line. Tamia, you will find it as fitting as the morning we share.

• Breakfast with Her...

I find her smile as lovely as the morning dew- refreshing

She awakes blessed and powerfully enriched with love’s sweetest promise

I solemnly declare my love for her with a sweet, gentle stare of embrace

Longing only to love her more, only to love her endlessly

I’m reminded of how I vowed to love, cherish, and respect this beautiful, glorious creature

I’m thinking of sheets warmed with only the newness of the morning

How the air I breathe enters her, and the essence of her lips confounds me

Oh, how I love breakfast with her, my love, my joy, my peaceful morning

I truly adore you. © 

As Tamia sat speechless and motionless, Paul's eyes filled with wonder. Had this poem not touched Tamia from within, Paul thought to himself. Tamia, say something; what did you think? Did you like it or what? Undoubtedly "Paul, you're my beautiful morning," of course, the purity and sweetness of this writing have held me as you did last night, so close and carefully, in a nourishing and refreshing way. I love you so much, Paul; my joy is filled with delight and newness. Paul's response to Tamia's explanation of silence was classic and enduring. Tamia, my love, I will never forget this moment or this weekend- when we still have another fantastic day to follow. Paul grabbed a blanket as he motioned towards Tamia; join me, please, on the patio; the fresh air and gentle breeze will do as well. 

The day would be one of the heart's fondest memories, as both were wondering what the following day would bring, more bliss, assurance, or a knowing that they would own forever together in their hearts and minds.

The End.

The story and poems are the author's creative works, Paul A. Felix Sr. Copyrights of the Library of Congress.