Silly, middle-aged couple

They sat three rows in front of us. It was hard not to notice them, all huggy-touchy-smiley. I tried not to stare—a middle-aged couple so wrapped up in each other they were oblivious to the world around them. I had first noticed them when they passed our row, his hand lightly touching the small of her back as they walked, her allowing him to lead the way. When they sat, shoulders touching and heads tilted slightly inward, there was an invisible aura that, could it be seen, would have sparkled and glowed a warm blue—or pink—or silver. They talked, eyes gazing into eyes, and hanging on to each other’s words with the greatest attention. Smiles and giggles permeated their conversation.

Seemed silly for someone their age. The cynic in me says they are probably dating or newly married, yet…I am jealous! We were once like that, as we dated and lived in early matrimonial bliss. What happened? Oh, I know the pat answers but does it have to be so? Where is the tenderness, the pure joy of each other’s presence, the undivided attention? I have no doubt about our abiding love for each other but am I being hopelessly, unrealistically, romantic to think it could be that way again? Too much water under the bridge, you say? Well, let’s buy that sunfish and sail those waters with only the sun, the wind, and each other.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven...