Our First Actual Date
I fumble pouring beer from the pitcher
We banter: Work, our daily bread, church
His gentle way assures me that
he doesn’t expect this date to end up in bed
We’re long-time friends, he respects
my role as a single mother, and my kid likes him
Then a simple glance, and we realize
we’re meant for each other
© 2011 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
Dedicated to my husband and partner of almost 14 years, Lex.
For Three Word Wednesday (words in bold), and the heartbeat my collective work, Poets United.
Sharp Little Pencil 
vivienne Blake
Nice one, you are a romantic!
Sharp Little Pencil
Oh, yeah, and I married one, too. Such a sweet life we have, and I am so grateful for him, as he is for me… I hope!!!
leiffyv
Now this is a sweet piece. How so few words can carry the weight of the universe on it is amazing. Another fantastic write, thanks for sharing Amy!
Sharp Little Pencil
Leif, thank you very much for your kind words. I’m coming over to your side of the blog now! Peace, Amy
MiskMask
I know that I’m just an old softy at heart, but this one really touched me. Can’t help it; I love a soul-mate story.
Sharp Little Pencil
I’m living a soul-mate story, Marilyn. This is the side I need to show more often, if only to remind myself of how lucky we are to have found one another. Thanks, Amy
Altonian
Romance personified. This is just beautiful, so simply expressed, but it says all.
Poet extraordinaire!
Sharp Little Pencil
Wow, Leigh, that’s some high praise coming from a talent such as you. I certainly appreciate it. And as for the inspiration, you should meet him. We’d get along fine over some nice Wisconsin microbrew, or maybe just a cup of hot coffee! Amy
Roger Green
That’s very sweet.
Sharp Little Pencil
Ha! Bet you didn’t take me for such a big mush. But when it comes to Lex, I’m all snooky ookums!
brian
smiles. knowing several single moms and how hard this can be…and his lack of ‘expectations’….yeah lots of smiles…
Sharp Little Pencil
Nice to hear that last comment from a man, Brian. And knowing single mothers can teach you a lot about life, right? Thanks so much. Peace, Amy
nan
That glance said it all. Special tribute to a significant moment in true love.
Sharp Little Pencil
Nan, I tell you, it was written in the stars. He was just in Binghamton, NY from Texas, Bing. was my hometown, where I had been living as a divorced single mom for years, and we met in a New Members class in the (leftie, activist, rabblerousing) Congregational Church. Thanks so much! Peace, Amy
Jae Rose
As fresh and refreshing as a cool glass of beer..you old romantic you! jae
Sharp Little Pencil
Honey, you don’t know the half of it. We are the hottest pastoral couple you’ll ever meet, LOL! Thanks for the compliment, Jae. Peace, Amy
booguloo
beautiful!
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks so much, Michael! Amy
christine
knowing is in the eyes
Sharp Little Pencil
And seeing is believing! Thanks, my dear. It’s all about sooooooul…….
Daydreamertoo
Awwwww I love to see love~!
Sharp Little Pencil
So do I. We’ll be strolling in the park holding hands (or pinkies when I get a hot flash) for many years to come, God willing…
Old Egg
What a beautiful tribute to Lex. This is a very moving poem of love and trust.
Sharp Little Pencil
I read it to him and he teared up a little. Great guy, fun to be with, talks about everything and anything… or sometimes it’s simply all about the backgammon. Thanks Rob! Amy
Ella
aaaawwwe, This is beautiful! This is how love shows itself in the fragments of ordinary~ I love the appearance of just a date, then the facet of hope arrives~
Sharp Little Pencil
Ella, it’s so true. We began as friends, and that’s the best place for things to start. Plus he was wonderful and appropriate with my daughter. Single moms take NO prisoners when it comes to protecting their little girls, and Lex has stood up for her at times in almost the same way, very protective. They are good friends now that Riley is grown and in LA, they chat on the phone all the time. Thanks! Amy
Bodhirose
That’s so nice. A respectful man… I’m so happy you found a good one, Amy–your daughter is very fortunate too.
Peace,
Gayle
Sharp Little Pencil
Gayle, it’s so true. I practically had to vet some of these bozos who tried to date me through the CIA!! Very protective of Riley. Paid off – they have a great friendship now that she’s grown, and she comes to him with problems that I can’t help her with. Like finances!! Peace right back atcha, Amy
Sherry Blue Sky
Wow, I love it.
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, Sherry. Didn’t think I was so sentimental, did ya? (wink) Amy
Aaron Smigielski
Awww, such a lovely poem. I desperately hope that one day I can write a poem for my wife.
Sharp Little Pencil
Just look in her eyes and tell us what you see, darlin’ – that’s the secret! Wishing you luck in that most sacred of self-expressions – love. Peace, Amy
Buddah Moskowitz
I love how simply and purely this falls – like a leaf in October. Gorgeous! – el Moskowitz
Sharp Little Pencil
Bruddah mine, thank you so much. The idea of the words “falling” is lovely, and I appreciate it. La Ameleh
Sheilagh Lee
a lovely tribute to your husband,
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, Sheilagh. He is a keeper, for sure! (blush)
akweelife
You made me smile. So romantic, but with such a wonderful ring of sincerity. I really enjoy its simple, uncluttered beauty.
Sharp Little Pencil
Our entire marriage has been complicated – Lex has stood beside me as I got through revelations of sexual abuse as a child, my diagnosis of manic depression… all with a supportive arm and not an ounce of a “pity party,” something that would have made me feel awful, because it’s condescending. We’re equal partners in everything, even though he’s bringing in the bread. We got through the “empty nest” stage and know that, because we are friends as well as soulmates, we can make it through anything together. We also love “my” (first marriage) daughter, Riley, to pieces. Thanks, hon. Amy
Kim Nelson
Precious.
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks so much, Kim. He sure is precious to me. Amy
Jess P
Very cute! Romantic and funny.
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, Jess. We’ve been together for about 14 years now, and I can’t think of anyone else to whom I’d rather be married. Glad you stopped by! Peace, Amy
dreamingthruthetwilight
This is such a wonderful”feel good” post. Hope the years roll on and on and you can still sit down as oldies and look into each others eyes, safe and secure in the knowledge that you’ll still be together, come another lifetime:-)
Sharp Little Pencil
Nadira, you understand exactly how I feel. And because we were friends first, we knew each other’s spiritual journeys and knew how to look each other in the eye seriously – not in that “come hither,” flirty way. Love takes time, but when you find it, it’s worth the work! Thanks, Amy
Nina
Thank god for the CCC! I love your poems, just read through most in one go. This one’s lovely!
Sharp Little Pencil
Wow, Nina, you are one ambitious CCC girl!! Thanks for a great compliment. I can tell you have a soft spot in your heart for romance… I’m doing to check yours out now! Amy