The Time You Held Me Near

Last night it came in segments ,
A triplet wonder chain .
Three stories of our meeting
And talking once again .

The first , involved a lesson
That you might give to me .
On how to play it better ;
A tennis match , you see .

The second , was of pulling
A thorn out of your arm .
You didn't scream or holler ,
Consistent with your charm .

The third , more complicated .
A story of a loss .
You came to me for comfort ,
A tale I might emboss .

It seemed the home you cherished
Was all but falling down .
You said you had to leave it ,
And might move out of town .

I put my arm around you .
It seemed to be so real .
I know how losing something
Is hurt you can't conceal .

We walked together slowly ,
And closely hand in hand .
For holding you so gently ;
Is love , you understand .

We talked in gentle whispers
So close the words were clear .
I can't recall I ever
Had held you oh so near .

You seemed to want to be there .
You didn't pull away .
It struck me , you responding
And wanting me this way .

Twas then I knew the answer ,
The source of every tear .
The pain that comes from knowing
You never held me near .

But this was what I live for ,
A pleasant dream of you .
It doesn't happen often ,
So this is what I'll do .

I'll take my pen and write it ,
So it won't disappear .
This dream I dearly cherish ,
The Time You Held Me Near .

GREENWOLFE 1962