Patterns

There is a difference now.

Night used to be when cold sheets became

warm and 'La petite mort,' was writ large

in both heart and mind, when the illusion
of love became a transient reality.

Night used to be shy smiles, Followed
by whispers in the dark, an entwining
of limbs; perfectly timed quicksteps
and tangos, thirsts quenched.

Now there is only the occasional,
Tarantella, a hurried joining,
as subservience suborns
to anticipated independence.

"I still love you of course," she said,
"It, it's just..." tailing off as moonlight
shadows cast. "I can no longer be your
Nora, a doll without consequence."

"Morning will bring light," he said.
"An understanding of consequence.
I'll call the office, let them know I'll be late."

But they were only words; this she knew.
just as she knew there was no alternative ending.

Reviews

[Paul Bell]

I wonder if lockdown has changed some alternative endings.
I wonder if lockdown changed the consequences for some.
This is quite sad the way the poem portrays the before.
Though maybe after is the journey in the waiting.

[Beccy]

I imagine there has been many an alternative ending, and a great degree of unimagined consequence in these unusual times Paul.

This was written about a leaving that happened a while back now, but sometimes things linger in the mind and eventually surface.

Take care. Beccy.

[Paul Bell]

Have you taken up any fantastic hobbies in lockdown, become a fitness fanatic, wrote a book.

[Beccy]

I have become reasonably proficient in the art of home schooling a sometimes truculent fourteen year old, who is firmly convinced, (as are a number of his friends, judging by other parent's comments,) that no school means lazy morning lie ins. No chance! Though it can be a battle. :)) Other than that, having recently moved house, I'm doing lots of DIY stuff I didn't know I was capable of, and it's actually turning out to be quite fun. So for now, and as it has been doing for years, the book will have to wait.

[Paul Bell]

Get the kid learning DIY. 14 is a dodgy age, they know everything. By the time the kids get back to school it will be the summer holidays, but at least we're heading in the right direction.

[Eilis]

You write these relationship poems really well, Beccy. The precarity (not sure if I can use that as a proper word) of a relationship where things hinge on something that cannot be resolved. You’ve offered a real glimpse into how this can impact both sides. Seems someone is always bound to be hurt, or continue being hurt. Maybe there aren’t lessons to be learned aside from be careful with the heart. Even the most passionate moments become prosaic with time and decisions become imperative. No honeymoon lasts forever—even in an illicit relationship. Always enjoy the intelligence of your poetry.

[Cyprian Van Dyke]

This is incredible. I love the cinematic dialogue and imagery you transported me into. Tyfs

[Robert Trakofler]

WOW! This is sublimely sweet and bittersweet and just damn beautiful emotional expression the last line leaves an echo in my mind in a silent boom of stirring. I still hear the echo

[Neville]

You have just reminded me of the time I very nearly fell in love with you as we went round and round those MK roundabouts on the approach road from Northampton .. Yep, it was me tailgating ya all the way to your drive ... I dunno why you never pulled over when I flashed ya ...

Ah' well, all that remains to be said is .......... what an incredible gift you have young lady a real writing talent & then some ............ Best W to You and the young fella my friend :)

[Beccy]

What do you mean, nearly! Humph.

Thought I vaguely recognised the driver. I wasn't sure though, I mean, a bright pink Fiat 500! Had you down as more of a four x four man. :))

[Neville]

................................. :)

[Gee]

" I still love you of course"
The but then knocks the final nail into the coffin into which their love is dead and soon to be buried.
I wonder how many relationships have been ended with that one line, usually leaving one of the couple totally devastated as they had not the slightest inkling that a shared love was now one sided.
Good morning Beccy, hope you are both well(and parents)

[Crowley]

Oh man luv...this may be sad, but the way you describe it is beautiful. That Nora line is as good a line as any I have seen. This made me sigh, and then read it again. You seem to have a very developed emotional intelligence, I like that about you and your writing.

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Beccy... some people may not wish to answer to another adult...
but then... passion is a pleasure and not Math or reading or creative writing.
There is a token, such as flowers or a box of Candy for Valentines day, and a Card for
your Anniversary. Sometimes there are two opinions to consider... and bills to
pay... but all in all... it can be very pleasant to play Monopoly for years and
pretend you have lots of money and Property. gently, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

With time the passion wears off, but the sheets can still be warm. I think I would rather have warm sheets and company than the alterative. Hope you are OK Beccy. Keep safe and well.

Chris

[barleygirl]

I had to search to find my way in your poem. I don't think I made it. Even reading other reviews, I'm not catching your meaning in an unmistakable way. I can only say that, as I've grown older (never married), I ask myself if maybe I should've been more tolerant of the natural decay of the longterm relationship (thus not being alone in old age). I'm still quite sure I'd rather be alone than to live among the detritus of a passion that's history (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Beccy]

You are so right when you say, better to be alone, than live among the detritus of passion; though being taken for granted, I have found, can often weigh heavier than the waning of passion itself :))

Beccy.