Melody for an Unknown Girl

       You and I were born, although on different nights, under the same star, with the same confluence of angels in attendance, with the same song, with complimentary lights and absences of light.

       In a perfect world, we'd have grown up together, married young, had 7 sparkingly bright children (the last one named simply "John", because we'd run out of clever names like "Gwyneth" and "Heath"), and lived an idyllic life, unbroken and undaunted.

       But we're centuries away from a perfect world, a very, very long way away indeed.  (It may be only the wink of an eye for God, but it's "a damned long time" for those of us wearing wristwatches.)

       And so, instead, we have been condemned to wander the long nights in search of each other, walking only by starlight, and even that often occluded by clouds and darkness.  Rather than love, it has been obstacles and painful detours that have filled our lives and emptied our hearts.

       Thus, when you finally, at long last, alight from the train, you find me bent against the wind and the cold, looking weary, a bit worn down at the heels, and well past believing in anything.  But I am standing there, nonetheless, in a faith no longer dependent on belief, waiting for you.  And no matter how dimmed it may be, I do not miss the once-brilliant sparkle in your eyes, and from somewhere in time I retrieve a smile that I have been saving, just for you, all of my misbegotten life.

       As I offer a hand to help you step down onto the platform, you too discover a smile, and quietly note, "It's good of you to meet me."

       And that enables me to smile a bit more broadly, almost grin.  "Hey, I wouldn't have missed it for the world.  After all, I've been standing here for bloody ever.  Where in hell have you been anyway?"

       Your head bows, and sadness steals your smile, as you apologetically mumble, "I'm sorry - I got a bit lost."

       I reach out a hand, and lift your chin.  "It's all right - Me, too."

       "But we've found each other now."

       "Indeed," I nod in agreement.

       You take my hand, as we stride through the crowded station, and ask, "Where shall we go then?"

       "Hmm...Home, I think.  Yes, let's go home then."

       The whole world blossoms into light and warmth and music and fragrances, as you lean your head against my shoulder, and sigh, "My, that does sound nice.  Tell me, what does our home look like?"

       With a squeeze of your hand, I reply, "I've quite forgotten...Let's go find out."