Dates Poem by valerie Hartland

I went to the market today
fruit is so cheap..yet such rich recollections
and all for just a £1 a bowl
I bought cherries, and strawberries
apricots, bananas too,
no excuse to miss the five a day,
we should have, so the experts say
But that's for my body
what of my mind?
Even a trip to the market
can be so unkind
I bought a box of dates
Impressed with the vitamins listed on the box
I told myself they were good for me
but they remind me of you, .. so how can that be?
I wanted them for that reason,
to remind me of you
that doesn't give me any gain
yet to forget would be such pain

Are they Arabic and sweet,
will they bring you near?
I wonder where these come from
and I wonder where you are
as I blink back a tear
did you and my box of dates I wonder
live under the same bright star?
Or are they from a strange and unknown place
will they taste bitter like your empty space?
You used to talk to me of dates and palm trees
will my box be good for me?
Will they taste sweet and pass the test
will they help me miss you less?
I do not know
but since the doctor can give me no pill
Its worth a go
well...I can but try, taste and see