The Secrets of a Fortune Teller
"How good of you to come my way", the gypsy lady said,
She motioned to a chair, but I stayed standing ... filled with dread.
"Don't be afraid ... a little shy?", "There's nothing here to fear.",
"You've come to me for answers, so I'll try my best, my dear."
She gestured to the chair again, a little wooden stool,
I hesitated, moved ahead, and took my place, a fool;
I looked about the room I sat, as curtains draped the door,
'Twas dark and sparsely furnished, just a table, nothing more.
The woman sat across from me, expressionless, it seemed,
But 'neath her heavy lidded eyes, a sparkle, brightly gleamed;
Her raven hair in ringlets, peaked below the scarf she wore,
As earrings dangled, clinked and rang ... a vision of folklore.
She reached across the table, and before my mind could think,
Bedazzled by her ornaments ... I reached across in sync;
She grasped my hand, with heavy grip ... I thought of turning back,
My mind was spinning, "Will she know the visions that I lack?"
My future, unbeknownst to me, "What answers will appear?",
Now locked within her gaze I was, while mesmerized with fear;
She traced her fingers lightly down my palm, went back and forth,
And all the while 'twas chanting 'bout my life, it's painful course.
She told me of my past, as if, she'd lived with me each day,
Her words were hypnotizing, as she closed her eyes and swayed;
And to my present turmoil then, she turned her focus on,
"I see your pain." she said to me, "That's why, to me you're drawn."
"You're wondering which path to take", she gazed into my eyes,
"You're seeking easy answers", she purported with a sigh;
She tightened grip much firmer and, she begged me close to hear,
The words she leaned to whisper to my keen, awaiting ear.
"My dear, I know you're struggling, and my words could ease your pain",
"But do you really want to know these secrets you could gain?"
"To know the future, yet to be, does not come without price,"
"It carries with it, heavy burdens, filled with sacrifice."
"For if you read a novel, skip from middle to the end,"
"The pages in between will lose their joyful purpose then."
"You see, it's not the start or end, that matters most in life,"
"It's all the richness in between, each day and every night."
She gazed at me, much deeper now, released my hand, leaned back,
And posed a question to me, with such forthrightness and tact;
"You have the power," she then said, "To walk away right now,"
"Without another word from me, no payment is endowed."
"But if you choose to stay and hear the final pages read,"
"The price you'll pay will be much higher, should these words you dread."
I looked into her eyes, this fortune teller I had met,
And pondered on the things she knew, the secrets that she kept.
First disappointment grew within, for this is why I came,
To have my future laid before me, no more guessing games;
I looked at her, this lady dark, who held my future there,
And wavered, indecision, for the knowledge I might hear.
'Twas then her words, they echoed in my heart, I knew were right,
I placed some cash upon the table, walked into the night;
With heavy heart, I'd come to her, for answers I might find,
But leaving now, took comfort ... for she'd eased my troubled mind.
I may not have the answers, as I smiled and walked away,
But in her wisdom, now I'll seek ... my future, come what may.