A Nostalgic Date (A Scene from The New Story, in Free Verse Poetry Style)

I walk into Henry’s, feeling a mix of nerves and thrill
I’m meeting Maddie for our second date, hoping she likes me still
She suggested this place, with its vintage charm and flair
She said it reminds her of the old Pan Am flights in the air

She greets me with a hug and a smile that melts my heart
She looks stunning in her casual outfit, she’s a work of art
She leads me to a table near the piano, where we sit and chat
She has a bag from Book Culture, I wonder what’s in that

She asks me how my week was, I say it was okay
I had a lot of work to do, but I’m glad it’s Saturday
She doesn’t say much about herself, she keeps it vague and brief
She’s like a puzzle that I want to solve, she’s a mystery

She takes my hand and says, let’s go play some piano
She guides me with her gentle touch, she says just follow my lead
She plays and sings an old song, I’ve got you under my skin
She leans close to me and whispers in my ear, making me shiver within

She finishes the song and we hear applause from behind the bar
It’s Henry, the owner of the place, he says we’re both stars
He hugs Maddie and praises her, he says she’s one of the best
He asks me who I am, he says I’m a lucky guest

He tells Maddie to play another song, the one that makes him cry
He says it reminds him of his wife who passed away
Maddie nods and smiles, she says anything for you
She kisses me on the cheek and walks back to the piano

She plays a gentle melody that sounds like a lullaby
It fills the room with nostalgia and sadness
I watch her play and feel something stir inside me
A feeling of attraction, connection, familiarity

I look at Henry and see tears in his eyes
He wipes them with his sleeve and smiles at me
He says she’s amazing, isn’t she?
I nod and smile back

Yes, she is.