A Girl of Only 21

The rolling clouds have stopped 

And, the winds continuous whistle has silenced.

A girl of only 21 stands and stares at the scene behind her

Even on this dreary day the sounds of the last laugh

And the whispers of the last gossip of hang in the air.

Two young women have cleverly set shop.

The ephemeral scents of the rose and lilies

Titillate the emotions of the surrounding people.

In her billowing white dress the woman stands motionless

As she observes those around her 

The past will never come back

And the future will never arrive

For the present is eternal

Her carefully carved neck holds her head high

She wants to cry as she witnesses the joy of another couple

The man has just returned from war

His pride for his country is shown on the uniform he still wears

He stands opposite his female friend

Not too far; but close enough to rekindle their feelings

And the lady in the white dress-

With her craned neck-

Watches, her fleeting intrusion in the couple's private moment

Becomes permanent. A snapshot of time.

Her yearning is apparent; Her slightly turned hands,

And her slightly bowed face.

Her hat covers her eyes. Those eyes-

That if one could see- would reveal

All the secrets of this young girl of 21

Her heart is empty only to be filled

By the same man who will accept her roses

But, when will he come?

Will he ever come?

Poor child, the thorns of the roses

Will forever prick her heart

As she waits to greet her husband

Her head will always look back

Because, for her, 

There is nothing to look forward to.