Education at the Mall

author’s note:

In the poem below, I don’t say much about the couple’s appearance.  I wanted you to see them for yourself.  Who knows?  You might see some people you know.

You might even see your own union.


EDUCATION AT THE MALL

Many years ago
I entered a contest at a shopping mall
hoping to win a diamond ring—
I wanted to prepare
for the eventual realization
of my romantic dreams.

No, I wasn’t ready yet—
I needed to learn more about love
before I could give the love
necessary for success with another.

As part of that education
the one who pulls the strings within
drew me to the second level of the mall that morning.
And then to the walkway
where I looked down to see
a couple strolling
across the checkerboard floor below.

Hand in hand they went—
happy as storybook twins
though they seemed a complete mismatch.
Not only a contrast, but a conflict of appearance.

Ah, but then my deeper eyes perceived
how each beamed with the same spirit.
Bright light had joined with bright light.
I saw:
The fire they’d made with their twin flames
could eventually grow into a blaze
strong enough to guide ships through storms.

I saw:

If I feared the sneers and jeers of our world
I might close the door to the light I need
and locked in my cell, I could not spread
the light I need to give.

As a student, I often feel humbled
and promise to do better
when I witness such bold proclamations of love.

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