Love Rolls

*Note* - this - whatever it is - was inspired by the third chapter of Bob Goof's Love Does, titled "Ryan In Love" which tells a beautiful and moving story about a young man's proposal to his girlfriend. I set out to write a poem based on the chapter (I am making a concerted effort to get better at writing poetry because right now I am not good at it, but I would like to be) but ended up writing this, this...whatever it is.

You can see it in the eyes of a young couple walking hand in hand along the tideline at twilight, the sun descending toward the water. It is a scene that has played out a thousand times before and will a thousand hence. But no one told these two, the orange breeze kissing their cheeks and sandy hair.

You can see it in her surprise and his knowing smile as they stop at a table set for a banquet there on the beach. He pulls out her chair and slides it gently in as she sits for her feast, served by tens of friends in bow ties materializing from the wind. After dessert, dancing in the sand. After dancing, a short walk to the dock. She peers at the yacht awaiting them.

You can see it in her laugh as she boards, her resignation to an evening of surprises, of whimsy. Floating into the bay, piloted by an invisible captain. They look at the stars - more than usual have gathered for the occasion.

You can see it in his stare. He drops to his knee, presents a ring glimmering with starlight and asks: "will...you...marry...me?" Snatching the ring, she shouts yes and you can see it in her embrace, in their kiss. You can see it in the water cannons spouting from the yacht of a stranger, rented for free, for the asking of a man in love, impregnated by the belief that life could be magical.