Poet’s Corner: One Incident

28 February 2026

Today we’ll take a break from the Romantics to honor my wife on this special day; here is a poem describes the moment both our lives changed forever, a poem available in Words Fail. (11 July 2014) Since we have been looking at the Romantics, I should add that this poem represents what Wordsworth called “spots of time,” a significant moment that alters the poet’s future.

One Incident– Two Lives Changed

I sat staring at the table littered with books and notes,
striving to bring harmony where none was found.
The chair screeched its protest as I leaned back
letting my eyes wander, I looked out the window,
across a courtyard touched by the shadows of evening.

My sight was drawn to a window, mirror image
of the one through which I stared, amused by the
frantic preparation for another Saturday night.
The curtains were open– with otherworldly volition
I saw past the dim reflection, another being.
She was petite and pretty, brown hair to her shoulders,
dancing to the beat of music only she could hear.

I watched silently as she danced, sharing the joy she felt,
preparing for a date with someone else.
It lasted a moment only, smile turning up my lips when
she became aware of my gaze. One step forward,
still in time, she jerked the curtains closed.

Eight months later, my smile widened as we
knelt, hand in hand before the Altar.

May we never forget moments like this one! Until Tuesday, good reading!