Love On The Veranda…

“Love comforteth like sunshine after rain.” (Shakespeare)

With the kids safely aboard, the crossing arm retracted and the flashing red lights turned off, the school bus pulled away from the curb, leaving the young parents in a wake of noisy fumes. A quick wave, one that likely wouldn’t be seen as youngsters are in their own element once aboard, signaled the end of one phase of their day and the start of the next, the work day.

They turned and walked hand-in-hand up the inclined drive, stopping for a moment on the veranda before heading off separately, he to his car and she inside the house for some final to-do’s before going to work, herself, I imagine.

At that moment before separating, in a somewhat theatrical move that belied its spontaneity, they embraced. Their arms wrapped around each other, her back arched under his guidance, and he bent to kiss her. Her leg lifted slightly, reminiscent of the iconic photo of a sailor and nurse in Times Square at the end of WWII. It was a brief but beautiful interlude of love, love on the veranda

(Wikipedia)

I’m not a snoop, nor nosy. I tend to my own business. However, I do enjoy the art of ‘observing’ people, an engaging pastime for anyone, especially for a retiree relaxing with a morning cup of coffee while peering out a picture window at the comings and goings of neighbors and street traffic.

Observing, not snooping!

And, there was no doubt that what I observed was love. The look, his strong yet gentle embrace, her arched back, the raised leg and the kiss. There was no effort to be discreet. And why should there be, it was love, pure and innocent love.

Witnessing moments of love is very satisfying, you must agree. It’s refreshing to see feelings shared between two people, lovers. They have found the formula that binds their hearts forever.

Young people are more apt to display affection openly, with touching and kissing. Older folks seem to do it more with their eyes, a loving glance, a simple touch that the other party understands. As they aged, themselves, my folks displayed love with hugs, kind words, a certain attentiveness.

If you’re an observer, too, be on the lookout for uplifting moments of love. Have one yourself with your lover. The human spirit needs it, love, that is.

I wonder if ‘my’ couple knows they were seen? Shall I tell them? Would it matter?

Steve B,

To Chris & Rita, you lifted my spirits And to lovers everywhere…

December ‘21

Published by

srbottch

Retired in 2013 after 5 years as an elementary school teacher and 40 years as a sales representative to begin anew as a school crossing guard. SMy essays/stories are a way to communicate through the telling of personal experiences. One reader said about my blog stories, "...these are like a cold sip during a marathon run, simple, real life events". Another offered about my blog, “it brings some sense of normalcy not easily found in the modern world.”

35 thoughts on “Love On The Veranda…”

    1. Liz, that’s such a wonderful comment. I’m glad I gave you a good feeling. That was a lot better line than ‘left behind in a noisy fume’. I hope the rest of your day goes great. I’m sure it will.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    2. Liz, here’s another ‘love story’ that I wrote a few years ago. I saw this couple from my car as I sat in the parking lot reviewing the grocery list my wife gave me. While I didn’t mention it in the story, the couple was a black couple. That fact seem to make them stand out in the throng of shoppers. He wore a fedora and a long dress coat. He was tall and very distinguished looking. They moved elegantly among the people. I can picture them as I write. Here’s the story…

      Love in A Parking Lot *

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Anne, so nice of you to say that. It’s hard enough writing these short ones, I wouldn’t know where to start. But, if I did, then I’d give you a signed copy…at a reduced price😂🥸.

      Here’s a love story that I write a few years ago. Maybe you’ve seen it. It’s also based on a real happening…

      Love in A Parking Lot *

      Like

      Reply

Leave a reply to srbottch Cancel reply