On the Other Side

Once when I could take no more
When my love’s union was a chore
When with despair my soul was filled
And from my eyes my grief did spill
Seeking refuge from this place
I slipped away from this dark space
I took a chance and crossed the fence
(Perhaps my love would take offense!)
I sought a greater happenstance
On grass so green I chanced to step
With air so fresh I did take breath—

Here, behold! New treasure I’d find
And leave my sorrow far behind
With timid step I did begin
A quest for something great therein;
And my eye did see many wondrous things!
Riches galore and angels sing!
The bloom of flowers in color true
A sky of blue in truest hue
Milk and honey of pure taste—
Through this land I’d not make haste!
With increased vigor in my stride
I thought that I might well abide
This land on which I did so chance
To seek a greater happenstance—

And perchance did him I see
Not mortal man, but fantasy
Of perfect stature, guise, and stance
A grand foil for new romance
Oh, my love would hate to see
His bride betray him happily—

But through rolling hills and valleys green
In air so fresh I once did glean
A chill in gentle breeze’s touch
And sour note of milk and such—
Disharmony among the choir!
‘Neath calm façade there burned a fire
The crackling sound of discontent
Of those who were of malcontent
And even with a beau newfound
In him the flaws did so abound—

My step began to falter fast
I pondered this query at long last
Perhaps all is not what does appear
Tranquil heaven on this ground here—
My lover’s touch I did so miss
And old despair did seem amiss
Perfection does not happy make
It came to me my grave mistake

So through the wood I did return
To the home I did now yearn
The journey home no longer drudge
Thoughts of grass so green I would not judge
Imperfect though my life would seem
The other side is but a dream
Of desires imagined not
Strife still exists—
Oh, does it not?
But beyond the fence a man awaits
Who destiny did make my fate
And so to him I would come back
My heart renewed
My joy come back
And o’er the fence to other side
Where my love and life do so reside.