Ruth

 A pair of poems written by Mike Rose about unrequited love …

RUTH

2013

At the FSB Conference is a Black Tie do
Where dressed to the nines is expected of you
I get to the table and see her sitting there
Dare I sit next to her in that empty chair?

No I don’t know her so that I dare not
For when I was born to be shy’s what I got
For ages and ages I try not to stare
At that lovely lady sitting just over there

Should I ask her if she will with me dance?
I think no perhaps I’ll not take that chance
She may say not so then how would I feel
To ask her to dance then that is no deal

As I sat there feeling quite glum
She looked over at me was I the one
Yes I was she’s asking me to dance
I certainly can’t miss out on this great chance

Whilst she was dancing she did smile
That smile it lit up the room by a mile
Three times that night she danced with me
Now I look back on that time with positive glee

All too soon it was time to leave
I should have said goodbye I believe
But no it is without doubt
Of that I did chicken out

She was over there talking to a guy
So I just left but with a big sigh
Come next morning I was feeling quite sad
But it was a great night of dancing I had had

All I got from her was just her name
And from the North of Scotland that she came
I had to find a way to contact her and say sorry
For not saying bye that was my worry

I do have a friend who may help me
To get me an email address may be
So that I can say how sorry I am
For not saying goodbye like a man

2014

Not thinking I could go to Conference this year
I had some good news to give me some cheer
For now that it is I’m back in the fold
Off too Conference you may go I am told

I email Ruth as there may be a chance
That this year I may get another dance
Off too conference I go with glee
She said that she will have a dance with me

By chance we meet on the way to lunch
Maybe I’ll get to talk to her that is my hunch
But oh no my shyness it comes back
It has never in my life cut me much slack

We meet a few times on each day
Still I know not what to her I should say
Friday night I hope we will meet
But then I can’t find her where is her seat

Saturday night and it’s just the same
And I don’t find where she’s sitting again
But then just by pure chance
I meet her and ask her to dance

A dance and photo is what we had
And that did make my heart feel so glad
But then back at home I’m feeling quite bad
Nothing is heard from her and for me that’s so sad

I fear this was all just an old man’s dream
For with me she would rather not be seen
Not that I blame her for it is really quite sad
I fear that I’m old enough to be her dad.

Now I will bother her no more
For this she will be more than happy I’m sure
But meeting her did make my poor heart sing
And for a time she did happiness bring

Mike Rose May 2014 ©