the shades are pulled
the lights are out
some where above the stars are bright
the darkness starts its hocus pocus
as my thoughts begin to loose their focus
my mind beings to steer
my brain begins to clear
back it goes to a time ago
when I was too young to know
19 i was then
she 29 when
a weekend in London town
she said to take me round
so bed and breakfast
the weekend 1958
Saturday night very late
she had her room -
across the hall -
but first was
London early Saturday
Royal Festival Hall
the Nutcracker Ballet
my first live ballet
early afternoon
Hyde Park speakers corner
not so traditional politics
then early evening at
the Old Vic theater
and Hamlet
a restaurant and supper
steak and wine
and back to the rooms
a snack of cookies, tea,
and mints left in the room
the British can be so elegant
a kiss and another
a button undone
kisses and protests
the blouse is off
more protests and kisses
and on and on
until the quiet
call for help
'please god no'
i stopped, she dressed
off to her room
across the hall
Sunday morning breakfast
a walk along the Themes
to the Tate Gallery
a whole room full
of Blake's water colors
a whole room full
of Turner's oils
four Dali oils
the train ride
back to the base
an amazing weekend
two days off base
just the librarian,
Nancy K and i
bed and breakfast
i was 19 she 29
we both nearly came of age
and for me?
who could ask for
a better education?

08/06/2006