(I wrote this poem many years ago to the rhythm and melody of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by Roberta Flack)

The first time, ever I heard of you So far away, I looked to the sky And prayed to the clouds, and sang to the rain The first time, ever I met with you You looked into my heart, and shined through the dark And embraced my soul, you warmed me through And the first time, ever I spoke to you My heart quivered and tears filled my eyes I trembled like a flower, in a gusting wind The first time, ever I gave to you You changed my life, and gave me love And forgiveness too, you gave me hope And now, since I have been with you Pain of love still lingers, but I endure Just like you once did, for us to see ...and to follow... (1990)