Time Experience Thoughts

“Forty years since our first kiss it’s been . . .” I. First (Summer and Fall of 1967, then many months later…) My arm around your shoulder . . . fresh and cool and new. Quick and sweet - though, it took an eternity to get to you. II. Best (Spring of 1970, then a few weeks later…) My arm around your shoulder - again . . . whole and serene and calm. Long and pure - this dreamlike kiss lingers on. Time and our hearts stand still. Walking away; down the street, Floating. Just off the ground, I walk along. Can’t hear. Can barely breathe; don’t care. Hearts swelled; hearts warm. Numb with feeling; lips still tingling. Touch my finger to my lips; checking this is real (and remembering). It is; it is no dream. Can never forget; it's never far from my sweetest thoughts. Even today. Even now. III. Sweetest (Senior Year, 1971-1972) The day, the night, the moment I purpose to tell you With all my heart I love you, With my whole trembling soul, My voice breaks My voice ...

We Meet, 1967 Looking across the shrinking room; coming closer towards that face. Surely this is a part of me , forgotten about; but a part that is so natural and pleasant. Easily we talk and continue to look -- without looking away. Happy Together, 1967-1968 Growing so accustomed to that face; Not just the eyes, but the whole face -- the whole person behind that face. Everyday imagination leaps immediately to that image -- to that face. Nightly dreaming of that face eases me into slumber. Holding Hands, 1967 Now I know I have lost something. What? It was here; I just had it. Where did it go? I want it back. Ah. That's it. The touch that further connects. A Chance Meeting, 1970 After so long, I am amazed At how lovely, glowing, and even eternal is that face. Can't stop stealing peeks at that face. Can't stop gazing at that face. I can't stop dreaming of that face. We Meet Again, 1971 Another time. Almost can't look at that face. Try not to be too obvious. I wa...

Shimmering stars Give way to the faint glow of a pale blue light The glowing yellow sun Bathes a crisp morning air Midday Burns bright white A warm afternoon Of orange and red The fading blue sky Turns a dark purple And late In the comforting cool of the night The light of our love ever warms us Scott Vanatter, 14 February 2007 (Poem on Valentine's Day)

At the DHS 30-year reunion with my beautiful wife. (2002)

Mountain ridges Stretch out, one after another -- As far as the eye can see -- into the distance. Each one fades into lighter Shades of blue. Gentle valleys And pleasant meadows dot this frail existence. Every moment of rest, amidst pains, Hints at ancient memories We once knew. Walking on -- And pushing through this desert of resistance -- Each new turn of the path is entwining hearts, that Used to be two. Standing On the precipice of now*, You are at the center of my experience, Every act of love you create is echoing back -- magnified -- Inside of you. Mirrored eternities, Past and future, are -- with your careful assistance -- Each reflections of glories gone by And even greater glories gradually Coming into view. The azure ocean horizon Becomes a turquoise sky, And with the sunset's growing brilliance, Every dream of yours Is granted in beauty and grace, and all becomes whole And true. * or, Forever Scott Vanatter, 21 July 2004 (Poem for Becky's 50th Birthday)

At the Duarte High School Senior Prom, on the Queen Mary. (1972)

Becky comes back to a Duarte High School dance, sophomore year. She had blossomed into a young woman; I was still just a skinny kid. But, 'O what a lucky [kid I] was!' (1969-1970)