One Day

One Day
 Trompe-l'œil L’Assemblage by Michael Douglas Jones ©2024
 Original artwork at at Gallery 322

   She asked, and I said,
one day, I will build a small cottage down near the Wilderness Run, where I can listen to the cool deep waters of spring freshet. I will raise a red bank barn with a fine stable of Morgan horses. I will plant and harvest, and plant and harvest, and plant again. I will see the seasons; the spring growing, the winter resting, and all the days between.
   And she asked why, and I answered,
I long to marry and dance many a Virginia Reel in the parlor with you. I long to start a family; the tiny tickle of babies laughing, filling our rooms, filling our hearts, and I long to sit on our front porch in the still evening of peace and plenty into our old age.
  And she said, you should ask.

❦ 
 

The Still Evening

The Still Evening
 Trompe-l'œil L’Assemblage by Michael Douglas Jones ©2024
 Original artwork SOLD at Gallery 322

  In the dark days, we rode together; we weathered every inch, and we set our stories on another day when we would war no more, when you and I would sit in the still evening of peace and plenty on the kingless road.

  Now, cruelty rules on court street, as storm clouds roil with a rumour of revenge, and the fields are afire again. Flames unfurl and whip like swallowtail guidons in the furious wind across the ridge, and we are called to ride once more.

  Yes, you are scarred, and wounded, yet I see that you can still place your burnt hands together, showing a simple gesture of grace to find the divine in each and all. Your heart is war weary, this is painful, yet you are my continuing hope. I ride at your side, until we reach the still evening.

❦