One poem by Richard Doiron

As You'd Pause upon Your Path

Today, once again, you'd pause 
upon your path, reaching for ribbons 
and roses, which you'd find 
in profusion.

In the stirring of the stream, 
you'd wade and you'd wash the dust 
from your frame. Soon enough,

refreshed, you'd spring to her space, 
nuzzle her neck and whisper in her ear 
such words every fool wishes to hear.

In your travels, once more, you'd have 
parlayed yourself through the portals 
of Paradise, even at the expense 
of her heart. Today, however, as you'd

pause upon your path, she'd be searching 
her soul, and tonight, with love's 
sweetest of songs the lease upon her lips, 
she'd be barring her door.

Richard Doiron, 65, poet, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. He is the author of 18 books. Twice nominated for the Governor-General's Award; work read at the United Nations, the 4th World Congress of Poetry & Cultures; winner of several International literary competitions; an estimated 1000 poems published in books and anthologies; recipient of the 2012 World Poetry Lifetime Achievement Award.