Love Poem: Patience
Michael Degenhardt Avatar
Written by: Michael Degenhardt

Patience

He waits, patient he is, as she brings his daily medicine.
Always in white, from head to toe, she is his angel
His time here, bound, limited, is not his choice,
But the random selection of enemy artillery.

While he was at the front, he had known what to expect
Here, he is very surprised by what has hit him 
Love slapped him in the face, unexpectedly
Leaving him defenseless against her.

Each time she comes, he smiles, hoping to stir her feelings
Yet, she passes, like a dove, knowing the presence
But continuing on her daily routine, chores,
Unknowing of watchful eyes and heart.

His time for leaving this hospital quickly approaches.
Each and every minute is torment of denied love.
He must confess his feelings and intentions
Risking the friendship and bond, they share.

Stunned at first, she admits to her feelings of love, too.
He can’t believe his ears, her voice is now music.
He takes her by the waist and pulls her to him
Lips puckering for the first time, shared.

They both feel the electricity, the undeniable, inevitable truth.
He tells her of plans to marry and the home in the states
And she breaks down, crying uncontrollably.
This is not what she expected, but is willing.

He went off to the states with dreams, discharged honorably.
He holds on to her until the day of her arrival, to be his.
Moments away are torturous to his heart and mind,
Leaving him with plans to make, for her arrival.

It is morning. Train pulls in at 10:45 am in New York’s Penn Station.
He waits with flowers and a smile that could start an automobile.
Descending the stairs now, he sees her, she sees him.
They run, embrace, kiss and plan tomorrow.