Fernando Ortega

All That Time

Fernando Ortega


Roses outside the window screen 
A breeze that lingers in the blinds 
A song and a prayer to slow the time 
A couple of chairs pulled in a line 

He remembers to breathe and then forgets 
He says, Come on, we let him rest 
Into the golden afternoon 
Much too long, and over soon 

This is the moment that lovers part 
He tries to take her but he cannot 
The long years ending with a sign 
And all the anguish, all that time 

It may have been love that held them fast 
Or want of love that made it last 
Our long arms hanging at our sides 
All that time, all that time 

Wasn't it love that made him cry? 
And love that seemed to pass him by 
The voices raised, the voices kind 
And then the silence for all that time 

This is the ending we will take 
For one another, for always 
A well of tears, a wall of pride 
And all our love, for all that time