Today’s Poem

The lad had made his mind up, a night in would be nice; Clint Eastwood and a couple of beers and a lovely pizza slice.

He settled down, beer in hand, then a knock upon the door; It was his mate — a childhood pal: ‘Right Jack, time to hit the floor.’ ‘What do you mean? I’m staying in and why are you so hearty?’; ‘That’s easy, mate, tonight we’ll click, we’re invited to a party.’ ‘Oh no, not me, you strut your stuff, I’ve had a rotten day; Just turn around, enjoy your night, you’ll not lead me astray.’

‘Oh, come on, mate, you’re my best friend, without you I won’t go; The invite is for both of us, we really ought to show.’

Their argument went back and forth, then finally he gave in; ‘Good boy, just grab your ruddy coat, and let the fun begin.’

The lad was bored, should he leave? His mate was having fun; He edged his way towards the door but then he saw The One.

She was standing with a group of girls, her smile lit up the room; All thoughts of leaving now dismissed, he no longer felt the gloom. She saw him smile, she smiled back, his brain said: ‘Take a chance; Go and ask that lovely girl if she would care to dance.’

‘She will say No, I know she will, I’ll be a sorry mess’; His brain said: ‘You will never know, but what if she says Yes?’

She looked his way, yet again, he’d never felt this way before; If she says No, I’ll understand so he quickly crossed the floor.

His eyes were locked upon her, he felt like turning round; His brain said: ‘Carry on, you fool, this is The One you’ve found. ‘Excuse me, would you like to dance? He waited for the No; She gave that smile then took his hand, his world began to glow.

In his arms he smelled her scent, this night must never end; For every hour of every day, with her he’d want to spend.

They talked or danced the night away, his mind began to roam; His brain again: ‘Go on, ask!’ ‘Can I walk you home?’

Hand in hand, no need to talk, she said: ‘Well, this is me.’ His world collapsed around him, he had to set her free.

Then suddenly on tiptoe, she kissed him on the cheek; The moon appeared, the stars were bright, he found it hard to speak.

When he awoke next morning, the rain was lashing down; He wanted to jump in puddles, he wanted to tell the town.

Of the night he’d found his special one and the kiss that they had shared; He wanted to tell the world at large, that he knew she really cared. For when you find that true love, the world’s a better place; Worried frowns are pushed aside when you see that smiling face.

We only have one chance in life, don’t let it pass you by; For if you do, you’ll waste the time forever asking: ‘Why?’

Charlie Horner, Bognor Regis, W. Sussex.