Solstice

A Birthday Poem
For a Girl who was 17 -
June 21, 1960


I love you!
And with equal depth of feeling
I hate!
The circumstance.

I would be with you -
I'm sure we could
Be happier than most -
But that can't be -
At least not now.

If we could alter circumstance...

But we know!
We can't!

You'll have a happy birthday
A year from now,
(This year you'll live somehow)
For Spring will ripen into Summer.

And then?

Perhaps we'll meet again!

Acrostic

Illogical answers to sensible questions;

Laughing at serious moments
Over nothing;
Various expressions
Either facial or spoken;

Youth,
Openness,
Unembittered trusting heart;

Wit, charm, grace;
Electric kisses -
Nibbles, pecks,
Deep, passionate,
Yet tender; peaceful embraces;

Stuttering; pouting;
Modesty;
Intellect; caution; feminine guile;
These are some of the reasons why -
Here read the first letter in each line.