Netting in Lemon Bay
For several hours that morning, in blazing sun,
our group waded in the knee-deep muck
of Lemon Bay, netting sea creatures
and collecting them in pails. Then we gathered
on shore with the naturalist to observe and
discuss the animals we had found:
juvenile flounder, shrimp, tiny crabs…
I left a bit early because I had a lunch date
with a man who lived nearby.
We had been communicating on Plenty of Fish
and were meeting for the first time.
Woops! There were no showers at the park!
I cleaned up the best I could with a wet towel.
Still sweaty on top and muddy on the bottom,
I went to meet my date at Chili’s.
We met in the parking lot with a hug
and a kiss on the cheek, not my usual handshake.
We talked for two hours over chicken fajitas.
Time flew by! I felt I had known him forever!
…That’s how I met my soul mate!
Reprinted from Life in Inspiring Places
Copyright© 2019 by Cheryl Batavia
Robert and I have been together for six very happy years since that meeting at Chili’s. I was sixty-five, and he was sixty-six when we met. My husband had been dead for over twelve years before I started dating, and I had nearly given up on ever finding a soul mate… someone with whom I have so much in common!
Gulf Coast Poet 
Oh my! This is so lovely…. Wishing you both togetherness for ever. 💖💖💐💐
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Thank you, Offshorewriter, for your kind comment and good wishes. Forever may not be very long, but we are happy! All the best! Cheryl
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Oh.. your gorgeous poem brings warm droplets of liquid joy to my eyes…. I met my soulmate on a blind date !! … and yes… love at first sight… 😀😍
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Ivor, have a great weekend! See comment below!
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Ivor, thank you for your delightful comment! I am glad you enjoyed the poem. It seems that we have had some similar experiences! I know you felt lucky, and she was a lucky girl! Take care, Cheryl
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Karma/Destiny… when time brings you face to face with your soulmate…Cheers, Ivor.
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This is so sweet! ❤️
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Thank you, Beck! I’m glad you liked the poem! Have a great weekend! Cheryl
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You too!
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Wow..lovely poem,Cheryl is 👌
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Murali, I am so glad you liked the poem. Thank you for your kind comment. have a great weekend! Cheryl
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My pleasure👍
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Cheryl, this is so sweet! Stay together forever y’all
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Mugdha, Thank you for your very kind comments. I am glad you enjoyed the poem! For however long “forever” is for us, we want to be together. Have a great weekend! Cheryl
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Wow Cherryl. Many more years of togetherness 😻
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Thank you for reading and commenting, Ashok. Your good wishes are very much appreciated! All the best! Cheryl
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My pleasure Cheryl 😊🌹
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Such a wonderful story expressed in a beautiful poem, Cheryl! Wishing both of you heaps of joy and togetherness. ❤️
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Thank you, Rishika, for your lovely comment and good wishes. I hope your weekend is going well! Cheryl
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Lovely poem Cheryl. Wishing you both good times always 💗
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Radhika, sorry, I didn’t connect you to the comment below. Cheryl
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No worries Cheryl.
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Thank you, Radhika, for your kind comments and good wishes. I hope your weekend is going great! Cheryl
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You too have a lovely weekend!
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Very lovely read, as sweet as your life
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Subbashini, Thank you for the beautiful comment. I do feel very fortunate. I am so happy that you enjoyed the poem. Enjoy the rest of your weekend! Cheryl
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Gorgeous way to meet
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Thank you, Eliza, for your kind comment. It is a very happy memory for both of us. Sometimes we return to Chili’s and sit at “our” table and remember that day. Take care and have a happy day! All the best, Cheryl
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💕💕💕
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Amazing story. It kinda reinforces my belief that one should never give up on life. Wonderful things happen for those who stick on with it. Wish Robert and you many years of togetherness.
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Anil, I apologize for not clicking. Comment is below.
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Thank you, Anil. I am glad you liked the poem. Thank you so much for the good wishes. I feel very fortunate for having Robert in my life. Take care. Cheryl
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Amazing and inspiring post!! Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful story of true love. 💖
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Thank you, Lia. That day is a wonderful memory for both of us. So glad you dropped by! Thank you for your kind and generous comment. All the best! Cheryl
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Netting sea creatures to a romantic date. The casual moments turn into important ones. Beautiful and warm.
Your untidy dress and his not minding the same. This all is just love. 😍
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Kritika, It means so much to me that you like this poem. I really appreciate your thoughtful and generous comments. This day is a very special memory for us. Take care. Cheryl
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