You Take My Breath Away

by Sara McGoodwin
(Ashland, OR)

Black walls, high ceiling,

Roaring fire dancing on the hearth,
The oak bar that came ‘round the horn…
I met you,
My Best Friend-
And you drank in the sight of me.
Your melted chocolate eyes shined bright.
A delighted smile
Crept out from under your moustache.

We shared Whisky
Words and
Wondered
At the possibilities…

Haven’t we known each other for a thousand years?
When I think on it-
It takes my breath away.

Ah…to be kissed…
I sighed at the thought and
You leaned over, hungry for me
For Me!
I, perched precariously
Swimming slowly
From the dizzying height
Of my chair
Paused to breathe in your
Liquor scented exhalations.
I felt myself falling
Falling…
Then captured by your eager mouth
Your gentle lips-
You took my breath away.

Those few moments ignited a long forgotten fire in my heart.
Awakened
My smoldering soul
Brushed the cobwebs from
My Passionate Self.
I came alive right then.

And when we made our life together
We both knew there had never been a love like ours.
We embraced our “meant to be”
And soared…
My Mate.
My Passion.
My Perfect Compliment.
For years our flame could not be quenched-
You took my breath away.

Love! Laughter! Learning!
How I am enjoying
Riding the roller coaster of life with you!
Years have slipped by like silver minnows sliding between my fingers…
Our weathered-yet-colorful collection of memories
Preserved on the shelves of our thoughts like so many favorite books.

Nowadays, our love has a richness
A patina
A well-oiled sheen.
I can no longer remember
What it was like when you were not
Steadfast at my elbow,
Woven seamlessly into the fabric of my life,
Held sweetly in my arms or
Holding me close to your heart.

See how the heat rises between us!
Passion’s path, familiar
Yet somehow new-
Can’t. Get. Close. Enough.
Hearts beat in unison
My breath catches-
You call my name-
We are steeped in the salty perfume of our Satisfaction
Once again, my love,
You take my breath away!

2-14-2011 (or so)