- Abby Kim
The Calm Before a Storm
by Abby Kim
Inspired by "Painting of Pompeii" by Unknown
A poor man
gazes beyond the distance
hoping to see his loved one
appear at any moment
around the corner
his hands clasped behind his back
squeezing 'til they turn red
he discerns chatter behind him
a woman's voice
his head whips around
and there she is
dressed like a shining pearl
amidst the ragged wall scarred by graffiti
confused by her surroundings
the woman taps a shoulder
two men
a sea of smiles emerge
as they chat away
eyes scanning her up and down
for who would not be enraptured by her beauty
Out of the corner of her eye
Faustina sees the impecunious man
and filled with delight
her ardent heart races
as it cries out,
"Amore mio!"
Her legs with a mind of their own
leap forward
to her love
her lovely velvet dress
flows behind her
and stars for earrings
dangle behind her
but who would care for these extraneous things
when you are with
the one you love