Tina's Bridge

A Poem by Jerry Ables

It tells the story of one man's very special gift to the woman he loves.

Long time ago, in the town of Kensington, a truss bridge stood over the river

For many years, it was the town's pride and joy, until once when its lumber began to succumb to the ever changing weather and its upkeep became too expensive

A concrete bridge was built about ninety feet to its left, and the old truss bridge came down.

About fifteen years after that old bridge ended its history, a replica had been built in the very same spot as the original. The newer concrete bridge was kept open, for the replica was built as a monument and was to be closed to vehicular traffic. On the day of its grand opening, many people were there to see it.

A very successful, wealthy and giving businessman named Eric Holt was especially excited, for dear to his heart were his childhood memories of his parents taking him across that bridge during Sunday afternoon strolls. He had with him a young woman named Tina Sapinsley. He wanted her to be there and see its big grand opening.

For you see, it was he who had it built and paid the entire construction cost. He even paid for waterproofing to insure the replica would last; for you see, the replica was his monument to his awesome love for her. It represents how the very first time he kissed her and said he loved her was like his return to innocence. It represents how being in love with her has merged his past and present to make for a glorious future. He made it waterproof that it may represent a very strong and fadeless love for her and how very sad it would be for him if ever he lost her love, just like when he was sixteen and the old truss bridge came down. Its very presence is a symbol of the awesome joy she's brought to him by being in his life.

For years, his monument has been a big attraction. The admission price pays for its upkeep. Everyday, people walk through the bridge; except for Sundays, when it's closed for Eric and Tina to have it all to themselves and share beautiful moments together. Every single day, people drive through the concrete bridge and behold the beloved truss replica which has come to be known as simply Tina's Bridge. Whether they walk through it or drive by it, people speak endlessly of its charisma.

For any readers who may not know what a truss bridge is, you can visit en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truss_bridge to learn.

Original pen date: July 11-12, 2009