A Voice

We all can hear ... if we listen

So we celebrate,

not me today,

but you … you

who has been with

me on this journey

for some 

seventy years.

         a testament

         a statement

no matter

         our political views

         our way of life

         our diversities

         our similarities

 

I murmur … you whisper,

in the distance 

A sultry voice,

with soft instincts at times,

an anguished scowl at others.

 

My conscience exhales …

 

         I know, 

I exist because of you,

you because of me.

We’ve always known

we would be one 

and the same.

 

just never knew …

we’d last this long.

 

 

 

Author's Note

It appears, this poem is being misinterpreted... normally, there is no right or wrong interpretation... It is in the eyes and ears of the reader... However, I am 72 years old. I would love for you to reread it... and if you still think I'm talking about marriage...then so be it.Thanks for reading and commenting everyone.

Reviews

[willweb]

I can relate to this almost word for word and especially the ending...who knew? Very cool.

[Allen Smuckler]

Thanks willweb for your kind words. I appreciate you taking the time to read and to comment

[Vol]

Allen,
AHA! A hint! Not about marriage! So, the "We" in line one could be you and the guy in the mirror, or you and a lover, or you and your thoughts, or you and your awareness of the whole of creation... I'm 74, lived on Sarasota back in the Seventies, my son still does. I can still hear the wind in the palms on St Armands, feel the breeze, smell the salt. Who knew those loves would last so long?

[Allen Smuckler]

Aha .. Now you gots it. If you haven't been back to Sarasota recently ... you wouldn't recognize it. Thanks for taking the time to read "A Voice" ...and commenting on it... It's been a long time since I wrote it...and posted it. And, an equally long time since I've been reviewed, have reviewed or even participated on this site. One good turn always deserves another. I'll see if I remember how. Take care for now Vol

[Vol]

I found a guy on YouTube, Davidas, who busked on St Armond's... Took me back!

[D. Mansfield]

I'm unsure how to interpret but I love the poem

[Allen Smuckler]

That's all that really matters ... Thanks for reading and commenting, D. Much appreciated.

[Coyote Poetry]

I do understand this poem my friend. My poor wife had accepted me for 30 years.
"just never knew …
we’d last this long."
Thank you Allen for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Relic]

Simply put...this is a beautifully written poem and testament to a bond that can't be broken.

[Allen Smuckler]

Thank you Relic...much appreciated.

[Sami Khalil]

I murmur … you whisper,

in the distance

"A sultry voice,

with soft instincts at times,

an anguished scowl at others."

[Sami Khalil]

Well, happy birthday Allen. May you live long and outlive the song.
Beautiful, touching lines with how the author sees now looking at his past.
Enjoy!

[lessa (kenzie)]

Simply amazing Allen, My parents were married 12 years and then my father passed away.

[barleygirl]

I am gobsmacked with the seventy years . . . I had to reread that to make sure I got that right. This poem is amazingly brief for seventy years worth of things you could say. Was it Hemingway who apologized for being verbose but he didn't have enough time to express himself succinctly? In other words, it's highly impressive to be able to sum it up in such a fulsome yet concise way. You let this story tell itself & your story has the creds to smash expectations! (((HUGS)))

[jacob erin-cilberto]

wow this struck a nerve with me....my parents were married 70 years...longevity, sticktuitiveness

amazing...but we do last....and once we write, and engage the muse...she is pretty faithful as well.
Caring for each other...a lost art....we are so out for ourselves.
j.