Notre Dame de Paris

Dusk comes gently
in the city of light
where the shadows soften
as they gather around
the ancient cathedral

Pleasure boats continue
to the ply the river
but the passengers
are subdued
passing beneath the bridge
with barely a sigh

And along the quays
lovers stroll hand in hand
Who knows what promises
they make when they pause
to kiss or to gaze into
the dull grey waters ?
And who knows
what promises
will be kept
in the fullness of time ?

John Lyons