Her usual calm
unusually buoyant,
eyes sparkling,
an unending smile.
Blond hair in giant rollers
like an alien creature
in PJs, painting
fingers and toes.
The velvet dark blue strapless
floor-length simple gown
pressed and covered
hanging on the door.
Matching patent-leather shoes
resting below
and the little beaded bag
ready to go.
The hour nears:
Hair upswept and pinned
base, rouge, eye-liner, mascara, lipstick;
the gown carefully draped.
He brings an orchid,
nervously slips it on her wrist
and tells her
she takes his breath away.
Later, we fall into bed,
sip apricot brandy,
recall her first baby steps
and wait to hear her key in the door.
Focus Unlimited 