NLEK

I know I have already written about Paris, but I found this little piece in an old writing book and thought I would share it with you....

The Eiffel Tower looms above us, solid yet humble as a structure. It’s grid like structure reflects a similarity to the complex nature of one’s own mind, intricate in detail and overwhelming in design but ultimately, when looked at a little closer, simple in its being and uniqueness.

I stand directly under its metal rafters, my feet wavering slightly on the cold bronze marker point, as I gaze up and inhale its vastness. As I stand I close my eyes holding them tightly together, like the clasp of lovers’ lips. I imagine, I dream, my mind saunters along a path cobbled with romance, yet remains untrodden as I remain, once again, alone. I make a wish, but now is not the time to reveal such wistful desires in fear that they may not come true.
I draw myself away from this spot, purchasing a scalding cafe ou lait from a nearby cart, laiden with warm cinnamon sticks for the little ones and roasted chestnuts for the big ones little at heart. The art of people watching is to allow one’s self to detach from personal dilemmas and issues, allowing instead the eyes to encourage the imagination.

I burn my lips on the edge of the small polystyrene cup, and innocently and unknowingly allow a small tear of milky coffee explore the crevasse between lip and chin. My lack of concentration is the result of a glimpse of a young couple embracing, at the very spot upon which I had previously lost all sense and allowed my heart to wish for a future path.

He holds her hand lovingly but knowingly, he is aware of her beauty and is equally aware of the wandering gaze of others. His hand upon hers reminds her of his love and warns others of its eternal nature. Darkened bristles protrude from his chin and graze his scarlet scarf as he draws his eyes from his lover to gaze upon the now familiar landmark of love.

She watches him, she is young and inquisitive in nature. As she appreciates her new found love a sudden rush of passion overtakes her body, as she lightly raises her ankles, balletic in form, remaining almost on point to kiss his cheek.

As I watch my mind is allowed to expand on their situation....As they walk home he will buy a glowing cup of mulled wine to comfort his bones from the icy weather, she will sip from it to show her maturity but will refrain from a second tasting due to her definite dislike and simply assure him that his nose is turning pink and he therefore is more in need of taking the last sip. They will walk home together, he will step out of his usually demur character and encourage her to dance with him along the edge of the river. Although illuminated the walk way is in no need of light as the couples deepening love for each other grows with every step and is clear and bright for everyone to see.