VALENTINE MOON At twilight hour, she crossed the street And into that dark saloon The door slammed shut when she stepped in And walked across the room. She noticed that she wasn’t alone The bar had drawn a crowd. And just like any other bar She’d fit in here, somehow. She spoke across the countertop, “I’d like a Whiskey Sour I’m thirsty now and need a drink. Thank God it’s Cocktail-hour.” She looked around at people and At pictures on the wall She wondered why she picked this place It seemed so dark and small. The dark saloon, the OPEN sign, The quiet, lamp-lit street, Had beckoned her to walk right in And rest her weary feet. A couple in love sat hand-in-hand, A few young guys shot pool, A group of friends shared laughs and beer, All gathered ‘round the stools. The only one who sat alone In this old, dark saloon Was peering into his full glass His face was filled with gloom. She sipped her drink then said, “One more,” “Before I leave this place.” And it was then he heard her voice, And looked up to her face. She saw him smile, she nodded back, He seemed so sad, yet kind, He stood and walked up to the bar And asked if she would mind. “I’d like to sit with you a while,” “You’ve brightened up the room.” “But why are there no lights turned on?” “It’s such a dark saloon.” “It’s Cupid’s Day, Saint Valentine’s,” “A day to love and share,” “I did not want to be alone,” “But I’ve no one who’d care.” He looked around and thought a bit Then nodded to agree. “I’m by myself, I’m all alone,” “But now, it’s you and me.” She thought about the words he spoke And understood his gloom, She watched his eyes move past the bar, Beyond the dark saloon. He said, “This darkness bothers me.” “We’ll find some brightness soon.” “I’ll reach across the stars tonight And get a Valentine Moon.” The napkin on the countertop Was red for Valentine’s. He folded up the napkin twice Then said “I’ll make it shine.” The napkin’s center gently torn The corners rounded, too. He softly smiled then took her hand And said, “Let’s find the moon.” They walked outside to the lamp-lit street He held the paper high, He asked her if she’d watch a moon Come down from evening’s sky. Unfolded for them both to see Hand-torn in that saloon, A circle where her glass had been: The bright red Valentine Moon! Her gift this quiet Cupid’s Eve: The paper heart so bright. His heart was magic, she believed, He made the darkness light. This Cupid’s Eve, she’d never forget The Whiskey Sour saloon, Outside, the man, his lamp-lit heart And his gift, her Valentine Moon. ~ Lynn Shaw (lynnws@ntelos.net)~ Moon Photograph by Tom (tomWYO@aol.com) You are welcome to use the graphics on this page providing you use them as a set and don't mix them with other graphics. You may use a different title and different text, but be sure to include my button and a link back. (http://www.geocities/writerswinter2004/) All poems and short stories on this website have a copyright. If you wish to use one or more on your website, contact the author for permission. If you enjoyed this page, check these out: I Will Never Forget You Who Will Be My Valentine And.......for many others, click the link for HOME. Home: Writers' Winter 2004 Index