A Love for All Seasons
They were married in the garden – two poets deeply in love with words, colors, changing seasons and each other. They wrote their own vows, exchanged them under the flaming maple, gold and crimson leaves swirling around them. The ceremony ended with lines from their favorite poet, words they hoped to live by in their life together.
love is a place
& through this place of
love move
(with brightness of peace)
all places
Elsa’s lovely soprano voice turned the first stanza into effortless music. Several guests wiped their eyes and held their own loved ones close. Andrew answered her in his rich baritone.
yes is a world
& in this world of
yes live
(skillfully curled)
all worlds
By the time he finished, there wasn’t a dry eye left. After the closing prayer, friends, family and newlyweds embraced amid the symphony of autumn colors.
The seasons passed happily, the couple renewing their vows every autumn. Their life together held only one major disappointment – they had no children.
“But we have a magnificent garden, our wonderful books and our writings, and most of all, each other.” Andrew reminded Elsa.
Elsa agreed, and as always, turned to poetry for solace.
i want
no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
Andrew continued the poem.
and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
They fell into each other’s arms, radiant with love and gratitude.
Then the terrible illness came.
Elsa became weak and frail. Andrew nursed her, comforted her, read to her. When Elsa could no longer lift a spoon, Andrew fed her. He helped her walk, then finally carried her.
Now Andrew stands alone under the flaming maple, spreading Elsa’s ashes and once again reciting Cummings:
Trust your heart if the seas catch fire
His voice breaks. A figure bathed in light appears beside him, and a familiar voice finishes the verse.
And live by love though the stars walk backward
Andrew smiles at his beloved. Together, they watch the gold and crimson leaves swirl in the evening air.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleAny short story which adeptly incorporates e.e.cummings is always a readers favorite. The selections used blend perfectly with the story, moving it to the perfect ending.
True love is finishing each other’s sentences and poetry. A sweet story, Julie.
Thank you so much, Margarida!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleJulie, until reading your story I had never heard of E E Cummings. This, for a failed poet, is nothing short of disgraceful for I have now read a very small portion of his work, which gels very well indeed with your tale. I also note you have used his method of avoiding capitalisation, which adds force to your quotations. Extremely well done.
Allan, I am thrilled to be able to introduce you to one of my favorite poets, e. e. cummings. He preferred no capitals, even in his name! His love poems are beautiful, as you’ve seen from the story. Here’s one I also love, and that I once set to music as a gift to a newborn daughter of a close friend. The baby was named Maggie Strongheart – such a wonderful name.… Read more »
Beautiful. The more I read of mr cummings the more I regret all these years of missing out. Thank you indeed for introducing me to him.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleWhat a lovely story of enduring love! I just imagined this couple dressed in Victorian clothes, singing to each other forever. What a great picture!
Wonderful job pairing the poetry of Cummings perfectly with your story, Julie. I enjoyed and savored every word you wrote, for they were all crafted with the intention to have every last word be worshiped. I thoroughly enjoyed your story and would love to read your other short stories.
What a lovely romantic tale pairing with poetry, Julie. Nicely done.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThis is so beautiful, Julie. The poetry perfectly in sync with a perfect love story. I truly believe that love never dies as the last lines in your story signify.
Beautiful, Julie. A sad but heartwarming ending and very fitting. I enjoyed your use of poetry through the story and it truly enhances the love this couple share. Well done!
Congratulations, Julie.
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