No matter what, each day I’d wait for you, through rain and heartache too,

Each morning I’d sweep carbon from the foyer for just a glimpse of you,

My heart, my aching heart so longed to touch you and hold you near,

Each time my nerve grew to such point doubt would fill me with fear,

I’d work outside in hope to see you, washing windows in hopes to view,

My heart skipped beats it’s true, every time I’d catch a glimpse of you,

Saturday mornings just before noon I’d drop the canvas awning down,

Off and on for nearly two years I’d watch in case you came to town,

From the bakery three doors down and across the side street I’d walk,

You’d see me carrying coffee, and donuts for the off chance we’d talk,

To be available at certain times took work although you seemed oblivious,

I hoped to tell you of a boy that’s in love with you although it was obvious,

I fell in love with you when leaves covered trees two hundred seasons ago,

You’ve no idea of the pain endured by one tender heart that was in the know,

I ran away to escape my burdens not to chase girls as so many thought so,

When off work I’d walk the streets of main more than a hooker out on show,

At last sweet surrender came to be when at last your kiss was meant for me,

Never fall in love with a stranger they say but I must say a stranger I didn’t see,

Intentions grow old, my intentions knew the seasons and the cold, but didn’t see,

Let it flow, let it go, sweet surrender came, this time I gave my heart rather than flee,

Intentions sometimes fall behind the heart as my heart only knew one thing,

Heart you better watch out now or else she might break the oldest King,

If making you love me was a full time job I’d have been institutionalized long ago,

It seems I saw you more times than you would see me unless you didn’t show,

When sweet surrender came and our lips met at last I knew it was the beginning,

Soon to report as a riverboat machine gunner in Vietnam what could I bring,

My heart broke as I realized how unfair to ask a beautiful girl to wear my ring,

How joyous to both realize the truth upon first sight, what joy truth can bring,

One year two months and ten days were exceptionally harsh in that prayers come true,

I had prayed in desperation that somehow I’d be discharged and return to you,

The hardships I endured in that short time stretched the membrane of love’s  time,

The desperation I felt  to again feel your touch as I have written in rhyme after rhyme,

Still today I feel the tugs of extreme loneliness upon my heartstrings in absence of you,

But for an hour away and angst fills my heart as excess thoughts worry me through,

Joy and relief fill me still as I hear your footsteps across the living room floor,

Believe me I adore you more, now that you’re a beautiful woman of sixty four.

The end, by Pat for Patti, I love you baby.