THE DIVIDE

Divided love

THE DIVIDE

Thirty years divide

Fatherless since eleven, she seeks a father image in him

He, a father and grandfather, bemused and lonesome

Seeks a young partner with intimacy

 

She exalts his speckled gray hair

His slight wrinkled forehead

Solid pink lips

Painted white toothy smile

Strong hands with blue veins

Hip-sway walk

 

He beholds her slight crooked smile

Curly blonde hair, a bit disheveled

Dimples in her cheeks

Soft brown eyes

Thin lipstick lips

Smell of her perfume

Her cooky laugh

Shapely torso

 

They frolic, initially never touch

Later, she begs to lay her head

In the crux of his shoulder

As she describes as a young child

He complies with a smile

 

Often, they meet for lunch

Chat, giggle, wonder

He strokes her hair, cheeks

A glance of tenderness

She receives

 

As they stroll along the river walk

Straight away

He swings her around

Face to face

No words

Infatuation

Close up, he lunges to kiss

She slaps him, mutters words in distress

“I’m not looking for an intimate relationship

I am in need of a father.”

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

I like and I understand the poem dear Betty.
"She slaps him, mutters words in distress
“I’m not looking for an intimate relationship
I am in need of a father.”
I am the grandfather now. Been to the same bus stop for four children and three grandchildren for twenty years. I talk to the mamas every morning. Good to have someone to communicate with. Outstanding poetry shared my friend.
Coyote

[Betty Hermelee]

You got it right, two different paths here, at first it was appealing for both, but at the end, they were seeking two different loves...thank, Betty

[Coyote Poetry]

I loved the poem dear Betty and you are welcome.

[Samuel Dickens]

This is delightful, though it ends as it probably should--on a note not so pleasing for the old fellow. I do empathize with him, knowing as I do how easily the heart may be captured. At any age, romance can be intoxicating, but when one has experienced failed relationships and gone years without it, the mere thought may be overwhelming.

[Cyprian Van Dyke]

Interesting write with a nice red cheek ending. This was nicely written, it guided my thoughts as I went along and gave me a memorable ending. tyfs

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for your kind review

[Wild Rose]

Pleased they found each other
Loneliness is not only to be found in the elderly
Younger people can be lonely
Both simply looking for simply friendship

[Betty Hermelee]

But not really for her in the end, as their paths were totally different, thanks so much for your review.

[Chris Shaw]

Not quite the ending I was expecting here Betty. Started so romantically and I was thinking, you know there's someone out there for everyone :)) Made me smile, but it also made me think of my Dad and how much I miss him. Yes I was a daddy's girl. Well conveyed, a good read.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Yes it was sort of a tricky ending...two different paths .....Thanks Chris, really appreciate it

[Chris Shaw]

Always welcome Betty.

[Chris Shaw]

Always welcome Betty.

[alanwgraham]

Your ending made me laugh out loud Betty. Relationships are such complicated things and it is so easy to mess up. Trying to talk things through can often make things worse. Words can be two edged and what seems clear to one can mean something completely different to another.
Well done with your poetic illustration of this.
Take care.
Alan

[Betty Hermelee]

Yes, Dear Alan, they were certainly on two different pages, but who knew? Yours Truly, Betty

[barleygirl]

Your poem delves effectively into that messy pocket of truth that most poets never touch. In fact, I've never seen this topic addressed in my 6 years at the cafe. The way you spell this out, it feels just messy enuf, just nebulous enuf, so the reader isn't sure if this situation is normal or creepy. That's how many relationships are -- nebulous to those on the outside -- so yours is a powerful depiction for ANY kind of offbeat needy attraction, not just young-with-old. After my highly abusive dad & somewhat abusive brothers, I have mostly affectionate male friends becuz I also crave a loving replacement to blot out all the harsh male oppression I grew up with (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks Margie, two different paths, but in reality, my sister partnered with man 25 years older than she, and they lasted until he died; she definitely was looking for a father figure...no doubt. hugs, B

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Often someone we are with is looking for a father figure or mother figure...someone to
take care of them...to feel safe with...and unknowingly might lead the other on, that there is
more than just friendship...
I never wanted to kiss a relative in that way...
it is such a shame when there is confusion in communication.
j.

[Betty Hermelee]

Yes there certainly is miscommunication...thanks always for your thoughtful reviews
Best, Betty

[emmajoy]

'Often, they meet for lunch~ Chat, giggle, wonde ~ He strokes her hair, cheek ~ A glance of tenderness
+ She receives .. '

You led this reader to an interesting finish, Betty.. and, cleverly. There was both sadness and irony in this write. Not at all sure if intended when first considered but certainly twisted mid.air and ended, for me, as a touching piece of writing.

[Betty Hermelee]

Hi Emma, was definitely intended to be a twist at the end...thank you always for your great reviews
Stay safe, Yours, Betty

[emmajoy]

You're welcome, it's such a fine poem, Betty. :)

[Betty Hermelee]

many thanks..sending peace and health your way!

[emmajoy]

Thank you so very much, Betty!

[John the Baptist]

Sadly, old men never learn.

[Betty Hermelee]

True, but in a way she led him on; he didn’t know that she wanted a father figure until the end ....

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks John