Two Dance

Paul and I were colleagues, then friends, then embarked upon a journey from friendship to love. Having each been involved in failed marriages and relationships, the outcome was understandably not assured. We proceeded with patience, hope and optimism (his), complicated by indecision, caution and fear (mine). To say our timetables during this journey were out of sync would be an understatement. In my defense, I was fearful that the prize of a truly remarkable friendship might be lost in the pursuit of something more, and I might be left empty-handed once again. So my friend, Paul, more sure of the outcome than I, employed his literary gift with words, to reassure me and steer me in the direction of love. There were endless conversations and long, long letters, and lots and lots of poems. I remember the tenor of our conversations, but I kept every letter, greeting card, scribbled note, and especially the poems. Paul 's poems spoke to my heart then, as they do now. - Kristine Littrell