DOUBLE ENTENDRE

What does it mean to "draw a line?"

lines allow abstractions

like Pablo Picasso's paintings

a means of visual expression

interpretations, ours to behold

there is no finality, obstruction

artists draw lines that cross, slant

to create an image, to speak to us

Many create lines in the sand

some prefer the sky

like the plume behind an aircraft

neither to "draw a line"

or set a limit of their intentions

lovers form lines with a tickle touch

on each other's torsos, to blend as one

natives carve lines in the ice

to feed their families, in winter freeze

Lines may evoke a deterrent

"push me no further"

an emotional finite line

dare I play the devil's advocate

these simple or complex lines

may even generate a globe of vivid screenshots

Author's Note

playing with the words "draw the line"

Reviews

[alanwgraham]

Well done Betty. You've taken us for a entertaining walking the line with your fertile imagination the only limit. You've made it seem like play but there's plenty to make us think here. From tickle touch to lines in the sand, all of life is here!
I don't know about Betty you but I'd love more chat in the cafe about lockdown life.
All the best,
Alan

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you and you got it!

[Lale]

many many thanks for this thought-provoking poem..

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks Lale, it just kind of came to me....

[Paul Bell]

Those lines that now dictate our lives and how we live it.
Two metres, one metre, they're in your dreams now. Wear a mask, wear a visor, gloves, like preparation for war, and in a way it is. Mind you, when I forget something in the shop all that goes out the window as I fight my way back through the lines.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for your review Paul.

[Patricia Wedel]

Great poem, Betty... I think of the Country Western song,
"Because you're mine... I walk the Line" by Johnny Cash
for his wife, June Carter Cash. truly, Pat

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks or your lovely review Pat!

[Papaya]

such a complex topic!
i like how you have delivered it.
some lines needs to be crossed while others respected.
most with common sense will know which are which

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks Anna, a lovely comment!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

and as Toto sang "Hold the line, love isn't always on time"
but we are on a time line now...how long before we all go crazy having no touch...the closeness we once shared is like a painting in which none of the lines intersect...there is just space, too much space on the canvass.
great piece, Betty,
j.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Jacob, as always!