Cooler By A Mile

It isn't very often that, when new in meet you find
someone who distinctly, brings some pleasantry to mind.

Just this week when in the rain, I reached the ocean's end,
the three of us got caught in it, the comradeship of friend.

A mother-daughter combination, different in their own,
but laughter, smiles, would follow us when shared ourselves, till known.

We drenched ourselves in words and deed, enjoying moments brought.
Knowing that the memories with ever treasured thought

Will always have a permanence and when it rains each time,
the sun will shine inside of each, connecting us by rhyme.

~~*~~

When first arrived, he greeted me, the manager, who said
that Bluesy had been here in wait, not long ago, in stead.

That I must be Maureen because so anxious, was my friend,
and just about a moment's time, there she was again.

In Silver Saturn pulling up on side of motel's front
jumping out in hurried style, like on a treasure hunt.

Hugs around, then up to mine, a room with more to spare,
while in the Serendipity, so crowded was she there.

Began to talk, the two of us, each quicker than the other.
She would say that I talk fast but she can beat me (brother!)

And when you add in Britni, too, sometimes our words collided.
If only we had taped ourselves (such laughter, we provided}.

In the meantime, time was metered and we hadn't noted.
It's a good thing that her thoughts were silent and never quoted.

For Lori did not drop the coins, forgetting 'bout the meter
until we were about to go, then manager would greet her

With info that a ticket now, upon her car was placed.
And so the "fun" had just begun, no time was there to waste.

She drove me to her B&B, so cute and warm, serene.
While there was Britni, fast asleep, so little room between

That we could almost touch each wall, if outstretched arms would reach.
We left her there in need of rest and drove off, from this beach.

It turned out that this city was as dry as dry could be.
Although it was still pouring down, but we meant wine, you see.

Over the bridge, the round-about, then turned towards right, to eat
at Friday's where we passion-talked and relaxed with drinks, replete.

Then to the liquor store we stopped, before returning where,
we'd have with us a treat that night, for all of us to share.

The Serendipity was warm, a cozy atmosphere,
with covered porch, and flowered touches and stuffed bears everywhere.

Britni readied, the three of us began the boardwalk stroll.
Stopped into a dollar store, each thing a dollar whole.

We had the fun of pick and choose, some gifts to take along.
I ducked a bit when seagulls flocked in droves, a hundred strong.

At least it seemed that way to me 'cause I remembered when,
in youthful years their droppings fell upon my shoulders then.

More laughs by Lori and her daughter, as I seemed skittish there.
So next we ate our dinner out, then back to my own lair.

We toasted, talked and toasted more, our words eased out in flow.
Tomorrow's plans were laid before, then time it was to go.

There was a welcome sign above the pole in parking lot.  
But as she started backing up Lori, I think, forgot

To notice there, in middle back, that pole of white support.
And next while I was waving 'bye she turned a bit too short.

And creamed that welcome spot enough, to trade its color to
the bumper of her Saturn rental, which she then jumped out to view.

She shrugged as if, " so what?"  and then waved goodnight to me.
Tomorrow we will start off new and "what will be, will be."

~~*~~

Next morning came, along with mist but we continued on.
After breakfast drove until we came to Avalon.

Britni fell in love with sites we saw along the way,
the lighthouse and the stlyish homes, gazebos in Cape May.

The zoo and park with ducks and geese, swans and birds of prey.
So close we stood, so near to them they almost flew away.

We stopped to take the pictures of, the weather mattered not,
collecting memories without...umbrellas, we forgot.

It rained so hard at times, that even I would break a smile
and run for it as if I had to race and win the mile.

We stopped at city hall to show where ticket should be paid,
And Britni climbed the steps while Lori, with her camera played.

We carried on, then walked the boards, together one last time.
Did some shopping once again for her's and her's and mine.

Ate a Philly cheese steak, then let her daughter nap
while Lori and I would talk some more and I showed her my map

Of where I lived and she showed me the opposite of coast
and then we laughed again when thinking about this poem's post.

Before too long we said goodbyes, their length of travel long.
We shared more hugs, a tear or two and then they both were gone.

I spent the night alone again, but thoughts smiled me to sleep.
For this one night I didn't need  tv  or counting sheep.

The memories alone would last forever in mind's hold.
This was a trip, of treasured find, and friendships, solid gold.

M
*A Balladeer, I'm Not*

[This message has been edited by nakdthoughts (06-08-2003 11:33 PM).]

~Somewhere in my heart I'm always
dancing with you in the summer rain~

M & Lori,
What a fun combination. Thanks for sharing and the collage was equally awesome. Woohoo!!!

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.