.

I like the look of this room off the lobby,
And especially this small sofa,
More comfortable than I imagined.
It takes me back to Elaine’s living room
And a sofa nearly its twin in size and color
Back when she lived with her parents.
.
When we were dating and home from college,
I’d sit on that sofa, waiting for her
Until she’d descend the stairs from her room.
There, I’d always study her portrait,
Painted when she was fifteen,
That hung on the opposite wall.
And on each of those evenings, while Elaine tarried,
I sensed an increasing pull 
Toward the fine woman she was becoming.
.
And now, sixty years since we first dated,
I sit on this sofa, waiting for her
Until she descends the stairs from our room.
Here, I consider the years we have weathered.
And on this evening, while Elaine tarries,
I’m amazed to still sense an increasing pull
Toward the fine woman she has become.