Ghazal 3: Beyond the Vale

©January 2017, Olan L. Smith

We will meet in a wood halfway to our single destination,

Our love follows a parallel path, slightly south, it's a confident destination.

An owl glides over my head, a good omen, so I turn northward,

In a deep wood one follows the trace, we must wait for our destination.

A lake brings respite, I spot her bathing in the nude, her white feathers

Dampen, she must dry before she flies; she's an angel, is our love a defeated destination.

A deep lust over powers my soul, my body tremble in the fear I will not keep

The one I love. She never ages, I will turn to dust, is this my final destination?

Love overcomes all, they say, but not tonight, a heavy heart is followed by heavy

Rains, my tears flood the valley. The fox turns south I follow to a new destination.

The poet sits astride a boulder and writes, the artist paints what he sees,

Olan is both, the scene gives witness, for beyond the vale is their destination.