Broken Promises and Old Pews

By Beverly Greene

Dedicated to an M. You know why and I hope that you know that I forgive you, just as I hope that you forgive me.

NOTE: This poem is protected by international copyright laws and may NOT be reproduced in any form without the author's expressed and written consent.

You promised that you would always be here for me.
You said that all I had to do was call out your name
and you would come running
with a bandaid of friendship
that would help heal any wound.
I knew that you meant it.

So, when that needful night came cold and lonely,
I knew just what I had to do.
"Where are you, my friend? I need you now!" I sighed,
but it seemed that no one heard my pleas.
So, I rested my head on the step of a church
that I remember from somewhere long ago,
hoping that you would show up there.

The next day came and went.
The night was even colder than before.
Through the snow flakes on my lashes,
I searched for you aimlessly
on every road I had ever taken.
My tears froze on my cheeks
and shimmered like crystals
under the glow of the dusty street lamp.

"Where could you be?" I sobbed.
"Maybe I didn't call out loud enough." I thought to myself
as I drifted off to an uneasy sleep
in the doorway of the old church.
"I'll scream louder tomorrow."

The next day I was awaken by the piercing sun.
The light burned my red, tired eyes,
but no warmth made a home in my heart.
So, I continued to search for the nourishment
that only a friend can provide.
Scared, hungry, and alone, I walked on exhausted feet
down the paths I hadn't covered the day before.

All too soon the stars began to twinkle and the moon frowned.
"Why hadn't you heard my cries today?" I asked into the night.
When no answer came, I stumbled back up the hill and
feel asleep again in the same forgotten church doorway.

Dreams stirred me throughout the twilight hours.
Even in my horrid slumber I called for you.
Then, just before the awaited day break,
the cold and damp, decaying marble woke me
with its uncaring hardness on my back.

I stumbled into the old church seeking refuge from the cold.
Through the musty moon light I found the only pew left standing.
"I can sleep a little better here and continue on tomorrow."
I whispered wearily.
"You can't sleep here!" I heard.

I starred into the pale darkness as you emerged.
"You've been HERE all along?" I asked with surprise and tired excitement.
"Yes." was your only response.
"Well, didn't you hear me calling out for you?"
"Yes."
"Why didn't you come when you knew I needed you?"
I waited for the answer alone in the darkness,
but no words were needed when another face emerged beside you.

Go to the menu page to select another original work to read!

� 1999 Beverly Greene owns all rights to this original poem.

This page is hosted by Get your own Free Home Page
This page was created by and is maintained by

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws