So in came the carpenters,
plumbers and electricians.
Their charge was to make paradise livable.

They were followed by the carpet layers.
And the painting crew.

Then came tile and linoleum
and a heating system so discreet
you’d never know what was warming you.

Furniture appeared as if by magic.
Mementos found their way
to the mantle above the fireplace.

Food filled the kitchen cupboards.
Clothing did likewise with dressers and closets,
closed all drawers and doors behind them.

Books lined the shelves.
A stereo system rose up among
stacks of CDs.
A flat screen TV looked longingly
at the remote that sat on a
shiny brown coffee table.

And the bed was springy,
the mattress and the pillows soft,
All was complete
except for us.

I was working third shift at the bank.
You were driving back from Charlotte.

We had yet to meet.
The dream seemed real enough
despite how little.
it had to go on.