Those Were The Days, My Friend

While going through some old papers, I came across this poem.  I wrote it for one of my English courses while attending the University of Maryland's Asian Division in Okinawa, Japan.

During our tour, my husband was away on temporary duty (TDY) for weeks at a time.  I suppose I was a lot like Desdemona with Othello, savoring all my husband's stories when he returned.

I did make a few minor changes, and played around with the last line of each stanza continuing as a new thought.

TDY

The lifeless flowers speak of your absence,

As does your empty chair, during meals.

Having the whole bed to myself is not really 

What I want is to have you back by my side.

This morning, I poured a cup of black coffee,

Forgetting you were gone. I added cream and sugar,

 Then, slowly stirred.  I wondered where 

You were in another country without me. 

I drive the car to the commissary.

You ride a tuc-tuc to the dusty market place. 

 Old acquaintances smile and wave.  Nothing

Changes are small and few while you're gone.

Your mouth waters for a bowl of kowpot. 

The blind woman and her children beg 

On the corner like dogs at your feet

Looking for more letters in the mail. 

Brightly colored awnings beckon you like 

Women with fair tongues, calling you to 

Come for a closer look at the wares.  Your 

Eyes are on something more valuable.  

Time will pass and you will soon be home.  

I will make coffee while you unpack your bags, and

Proudly display the gifts you bought.  For a few

More months to keep you close.

Those Were The Days, My Friend.

We Thought They'd Never End.