Encounter in the Night

Lovely Lady
I hurried
to meet you
knowing that
your schedule
was tighter
than mine
but hiking
up the canyon
I missed you
as you made
your grand entrance
behind the canyon wall

so I started walking
up a hill
and about two thirds
of the way up
there you were
absolutely beautiful
radiant light
bathing me
as I reached
the crest
of the hill

at first I thought
you were going
behind a cloud
but then I saw
what looked like
a burnt shadow
on your face
and I felt the darkness
creep in
amidst the silence
of the night

I offered tobacco
for the occasion
smoked in
some peace
and then started
down the hill
as you took
a long journey
hiding your face
behind the clouds

as I sat
in my truck writing
and listening to
the rain on the roof
I looked up
and saw you
through the window
and then
you disappeared again
behind the clouds
yet to reappear
after the rain
had stopped
and lightening
still lingered
in the sky

after doing this
for awhile
you appeared again
in a cloudy
picture frame
no longer looking
burnt but
innocent and lovely

then finally
the clouds were gone
and there you were
unabashed
ascending the sky
your face
lighting up
the night


Copyright© 1999 by Tom Rex
All Rights Reserved