Snow On The River (I) Poem by jim hogg

It was back when skies were bluer
and hearts were worn on sleeves
I'd fallen for the first time,
into love, head over heels

then chased its shadow, traced its trail,
and held it here and there:
this dream that sparks such blinding flames
and haunts us everywhere

You were dancing at a discotheque
behind old Eldon Street
The wars of love were almost done
but kept us on our feet

I wore McKechnie's tartan to
the drumming of retreat
I knew too well that one more touch
would lead me to defeat

You were there at this beginning
when we sat side by side.
We walked the endless circle
but slipped through the ties that bind.

We both had dreams and love enough
though that's no guarantee;
not every river flows until
it flows into the sea

It was long ago on Gibson Street
and you were on my arm
In snowflakes falling on your hair
outside the Shishmahal

I saw forever in your eyes
to music in your voice
Before I realised that
I would have to make a choice

In winter now I hear the wind
so softly call your name
And through the Kirk of Inch
I've chased your shadow to the gate

I dream a face in photofit
before me where I sit
At last I think I recognise
just who the photo fits

We lay down in April sunshine
as the winding Dee flowed on
A rebel blonde in Levis
you were Lady Eleanor

the heat-wave came and never broke
until we said goodbye
but you were right and I was wrong:
we really should have tried

From the Ice Rink bar down town once
we watched the curlers play
They played just through the glass
but might have been a world away

Your lips and thighs in passion's rush
soon torched that winter's nights
You might have been the one love
if the choice had been just mine

You're a river running under
but sometimes you burst through
The locks and walls I'd raised against
those moments lost in you

And sweep me through The Bridge of Sighs,
through flames by Fairhurst Road
And still my words must fail you
....... in this humble ode