Two Plus One
by Ian Curtress
The elderly gentleman
placed two chairs facing him around the
comforting fireside and then added a stool.
Only right the stool should be included.
On each chair he saw the love he had been
privileged to share and in a forlorn hope wished
they were able to see a happy man.
The passion on the first chair still fevered his
brow.
Those wonderful months, enhanced by the tension
of war. Hours so precious he can relive them now.
Heart still races, soul smiles.
No doubts. Considered we would see life through
together. An idyllic future set in stone.
A hard lesson learned. Life isn’t like that.
We have no right to think we are special and
indestructible.
Decisions are forced upon us.
Decisions which can never heal wounds no matter
which choice is made.
As we mature and accept life is precious, we must
not fall at the first hurdle.
We are compelled to put things in perspective.
This in no way alters one’s feelings.
Feelings that will be with us until the end of
our days.
But you are sure you will love another and be
loved in time. And so it was.
Looking at the second chair he saw an anchor.
A love different from chair one but no less
fulfilling .
Rounded, secure and caring. A love that would
give him great happiness Strength in times of
sadness and loss.
Now looking at the stool he faced an enigma.
There can be no description or understanding of
an all enveloping impossible love. They say
nothing in life is unique but this must push the
boundaries
Defies rational description and any attempt so to
do would be an insult to perfection
If any were desired, a starting point would be an
affection, unconditional, an affection which has
no boundaries. Completely selfless. Bitter sweet.
And so the elderly gentleman sadly removed the
chairs and with a twinkle in his eye and an
enigmatic smile, affectionately kicked the stool
Then returned comforted, to look at the dying
embers of the fire and a full life.
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