from the poetry book ‘Images of Life’
I wrote this poem after watching An American in Paris. It made me reflect on the bittersweet journey of supporting the love of your life as they pursue their dream of a dance career in Paris, even when it means letting go.
Down Memory Lane A Poem by E.T. Milligan
we were all but twenty when,
our kind of dance was different then,
the feeling in our hearts were not,
the memory of that waltz remains,
the tipping of your heels, the same,
a waltz that I had not forgot
we’d stroll the promenade ‘till ten,
then dance away ‘till evening’s end
a fantasy’s forgotten charm.
no hopes to share your company
came shattered, clear as I could see
you dancing in another’s arms
‘twas only fate that brought me here
the bars were closed, no taxis near
as was the night, ten years before
i stood amid the ballroom light
looked crossed the stage at my heart’s delight,
yet, just a stare and nothing more
remembering well, the night you flew
to Paris France, to start a ‘new
a tearful end, a final dance
a sad good-bye, a subtle kiss,
careers at crossroads, far remiss
from what was once a true romance
though candlelight and Eiffel’s view
inspired hopes to start anew
the ocean travel couldn’t mend
my broken dreams and wary mind
lost in feeble hopes to find
a ways to bridge our distant ends
now, yesterday must fill the space
what future hopes cannot embrace,
and leaves me with a woeful pain
despite reunion’s clever sign
rekindled hearts must now resign
to strollin’ down, memory lane.
Copyright © Edward T. Milligan, 2005
All rights reserved.
If you enjoyed Down Memory Lane, I invite you to explore another heartfelt piece: The Difference. This brief yet profound poem delves into self-belief and the power of mindset—what truly sets us apart is not our abilities but the belief in our potential.
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