Here in the hall of Milton Keynes station.
Outside, the wind ruffles puddle-pocked paving,
And there she is, there… smiling and waving
And we will continue the long conversation

Started when she was an expectation,
A nervousness, a hope, a wild surmise,
Real to me, but invisible to the eyes
Of fellow commuters on route to my station.

And me, queasy, resolute in my determination
Not to be sick before reaching work. Don’t be sick!
Cherish instead that faint, quick kick
Establishing bonds of communication.

Years of discussion, debate, observation
Drop offs and pick ups and always us talking
On the train, in the car and while we are walking.
Opinions, ideas or just information.

The years have piled up in accumulation.
She lives elsewhere now, but visits us often,
The arrival announcement makes my heart soften.
Here in the hall of Milton Keynes station
Poised to continue our long conversation.