To Lauren on Valentine's Day, 2007
(Edited 2/14/02, 1/7/05, 2/13/07, 9/7/07, 8/28/08 and 5/13/09.)

 


What Do We Do Now?


Two roads did converge on a summer’s hill.
When n’er had paths met with greater delight.
What with Schumann dawn and Bernstein night,
Their miles with roses and trumpets, would fill…

Heaven on earth, was what they had found.
And if only could keep for only a time,
Would be all was needed to make their rhyme
Both perfectly said and perfectly sound.

But finally they knew must finally bow
To contour lines and numbered days.
And, soon must go their separate ways…
And then they did cry, “What do we do now?”


Two roads did join in a summer yore
Lived there happily ever after too.
But on they went, as roads will do,
Through thick and thin and so much more.

“For then we were two, and now we are one.
“We’ll be but two halves if forced to diverge!”
Thought no one listening, but then they heard,
“Should keep on doing just what you have done.”

“What is it you mean?” in anguish he prayed.
“We have always done just what you have wanted.
“And now we should part without being daunted?
Quoth, “Never more our song to be played?”


Two roads still merge on a yellow hill
When leaves from the birch are falling around,
With beautiful view their route does abound.
Yet on they go with their sorrowful trill.

“What was it all for?” she was next to weep.
“How could you let us become so entwined,
“When full you knew it would end?” she opined.
“For what is the good, if cannot we keep?”

“Events are real and do always last.
“In God's own time, you are meeting there still
“And remains right now, that summer's hill.
“For nothing that’s real is just future or past.”


Two roads would diverge on a river’s bank,
As one crossed over the other one stayed.
Roads do continue as memories fade.
The sun did rise as it also sank.

“Love is real and will never be gone.
“And, the sorrow of parting can only be sweeter
“As put more in it, as William his meter.
“Just keep the faith in what you have sown.”

“Your passage of time is only illusion.
“You’ll see what I mean if in faith you steep.
“Your relation is real and yourselves should keep
“Just doing that which you have always done.”


“And, there's only one wish with which I would fetter
“Your otherwise dream.
…
“Keep doing the same.
“Just do it one better.”