Love Poem: But Not Today
John Watt Avatar
Written by: John Watt

But Not Today

Hers, indeed, was the one missing face in his heart's gallery of intimate portraits 
                                                           ~ O Henry (from The Green Door)


I tend to trudge through life subdued
and view events through lenses blued
with Eeyore's gloomy attitude -
but not today

Most days I'm prone to wallow in
an expectation of chagrin,
I brace to take it on the chin -
but not today

Each day is bound to have its rains,
two losses for each of its gains,
a whole week's worth of aches and pains -
but not today

I've wandered through a dreary drought;
while going days or weeks without
a hearty laugh or joyous shout -
but not today

My odds of finding happiness?
  million-to-one would be my guess
    today though, clouds all acquiesce 
      to part, and let the sunshine bless
        my years-long spate of loneliness -
          I smile and struggle to repress
            these joyful tears without success
              as she says 'Yes!'

[Author's note - today, Nov 24th, marks the anniversary of the day my bride agreed to marry me... some have rightly questioned her judgment, but no one has ever questioned her love, for which I am eternally grateful]