ACROSS THE AGES WORDS PERSIST

I

in youth’s sweet bloom of seventeen, so bright,
unshackled by the weight of worldly care,
‘neath lime trees’ shade on june’s fair-spun night,
we wander free, our spirits unaware.

the scent of lime trees graces fragrant air,
soft winds a melody of scents bestow,
as town and vine entwine in flair,
a symphony of odors, to and fro.

II

amidst this scene, a scrap of blue divine,
framed by a branch, a star’s delicate trace,
melted by fate, its soft shivers align,
whispers of white in tender cosmic space.

oh, june’s embrace! at seventeen, the wine,
champagne of sap that swirls within our minds,
wandering souls, a stolen kiss entwine,
a tiny pulse of life, the heart reminds.

III

a heart untamed, dreams questing evermore,
in moonlight’s glow, beneath a lamp’s embrace,
a girl appears, her steps a dance to explore,
her father’s collar stern, framing her grace.

her naiveté ignites a spark anew,
in ankle boots, she walks with vibrant grace,
she turns, awakens, with gaze so true,
unspoken songs perish, leaving trace.

IV

love’s embrace, through august’s fervent blaze,
in sonnet’s lines, her laughter finds its space,
friends fade, as love demands my wandering gaze,
one evening, her words, a tender embrace.

once more to cafes’ dazzle, i return,
for ale or lemonade, the choice is mine,
at seventeen, wisdom’s fire yet to burn,
as lime trees grace the promenade divine.