by Lena Davis

Created on: February 11, 2009

BESS-N-FRANK

The club air was filled with smoke and cologne.

I sat nursing a drink in a corner alone.

I watched the couples as they laughed and talked,

but my heart was captured when in she walked.

Her shoulders held back; her head held high.

Her sensuous frame conveyed her pride.

She spoke sweetly as she said her hellos.

She stood statuesque, gracious yet bold.

Cat-calls followed as she sashayed by.

She returned the compliments with a wink of her eye.

The ladies all hissed, "she shows no shame".

She just kept on walking, like she didn't here a thang.

I sat down beside her and offered her a drink.

When she refused my heart began to sink.

Standing, she touched me as she said with a smile,

"Come dance with me soldier; that's more my style".

The band was playing "A-Train", a sassy little grove.

I held on tightly as we swayed and moved.

She smelled of gardenias as I breathed her in deep.

She was like a flower, breath-taking and sweet

She moved in closer with her hand on my chest,

"By the way soldier, my name's Bess.

"My name's Frank", I said brushing her cheek against mine

I could think to speak of no other hook or line.

We danced for a while on that old wooden floor;

just for a moment forgetting the war.

Suddenly she turned, and blew a kiss goodbye;

"I must go now", she peacefully sighed.

My eyes followed her to the far side of the room.

He sat there at a table looking real smooth.

She kissed his cheek, and I felt like a sap.

I still wishing for every minute back.

I walked outside with my heart sunk down low.

I thought we had something; I just didn't know.

I decided it was nothing when I heard this voice from behind

"He's my brother, and here's my number, call me anytime.

We said goodbye at the peer the day I shipped out.

"I'll be back for you honey; don't you have any doubt".

Every night I'd say a prayer beneath the stars,

hoping she'd wait, for she had my heart.

I'd pray another prayer for all the young lovers

who left behind wives who were also mothers.

Sixty Five years ago I made that girl my wife.

She's something real special; she's the love of my life

If I had it to do over I would not change a thing.

I'd still show her that I love her with this wedding ring.

Frank told us their story when my marriage was in trouble.

I thought to myself, "my what a charming couple".

He told us all his secrets to make a marriage work.

"You got to find a way to love each other when it hurts.

If you learn to communicate, to be pliant throughout your nuptials,

there's no reason you cannot be a most successful couple".

Forever, we are grateful to Bess and Frank,

for being our inspiration through the years; we give our thanks.

Learn more about this author, Lena Davis.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.