THE VOYAGE

not quite there....

My hands quiver and my heart shudders

In anticipation of this lingering journey

I take heed of the last-minute items to pack

In my clutch bag

I must walk a short while to the train

That will carry me to my ship

 

Once on board, a porter

Guides me to my second-class compartment

Tis  limited with  two  single beds

A cabinet with shelves to put my garments in

And a tiny closet to hang dresses for evening wear

A diminutive rest room with enough necessities

 

I elect to be alone in the dining hall

As I am disinclined  to chat with strangers

I opt for a quiet spot so that I be allowed

To focus my emotions on my soldier

The dialogue I many encounter

And the overall visit

 

I clothe myself in a purple sequined dress

For the first evening’s dinner

Commonly, the captain greets all the guests

On the first sundown voyage

My table is in a corner of the dining hall

Perfect for my intentions

 

I request a glass of champagne

The waiter carries the glass on a silver tray

Bows to me, then vanishes

 

As I am musing and sipping my bubbly

Out of the corner of my eye

I perceive a gentleman with jet black hair

Glancing at me from time to time

I believe this is intrusive to my solitude

I sense he has a smile

Nonetheless I dismiss it

 

 

Author's Note

series: "At Bridges End"
Thank you for reading!

Reviews

[Ken Simm.]

I really like this portion, excerpt from your epic poem. I honestly thought I had reviewed this already but obviously no. All I can say is that I love the atmosphere almost anti bellum that it creates and the romance it engenders.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Ken for a lovely review and much appreciated
Warmly,
B.

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Betty … your poem reminds me of the Classic… An Affair to Remember with Deborah Kerr and and Cary Grant… she eventually met his Grandmother… you never know what Adventures lie ahead. tenderly, Pat

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks, lovely review....even i don't know what's ahead yet!!!
Warmly, B

[Dave Brown]

Too much solitude can create a lonely lady and nobody is getting any younger
He could be the catch of a lifetime

[Betty Hermelee]

one would only wish!!! Thanks Dave for a very upbeat review!!!
BESTB

[Lorry]

There's no messin' around with you, is there Betty? That poor guy in the dining car! Oh how I know how that dismissive gesture feels like. But you have another on your mind and there's no time for pleasantries from others.
Come to think of it, that was my problem too maybe, I just couldn't resist those gals that all turned out to be dating soldiers. At least that's what I told myself when crying myself to sleep at night 😊

[Betty Hermelee]

No messin around Lorry; I mean it can't be boring right? thank you for a terrific review ! As always
Warmly,
B

[Alla Antsis]

purple sequined dress...champagne on a silver tray....a gentlemen..a smile...How old fashion! How tender! The whole story in a few words! sketch worth a novel. Love it, Betty!

[Betty Hermelee]

Wow what a fantastic review! Thank you Alla, much appreciated!
Warmly B
PS this number 21 in a poetic prose series called
"AT Bridges End"...

[JessyJacob]

He taught me the Ice breaker speech, showed the way to there, never she pretends, time has taught her much not to lose anymore, mistakes realized, people enjoyed, remained, people missing for the awaited journey, a little patience makes the way clear, and hope my dear Betty, never a complaint, will take care of your son, without a regret here i walk with him, as my beholder, for the path, never undermining the left behind memories and moments.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for your review!
Warmly, B.

[JessyJacob]

Sure, Betty, hope you are doing well.

[JessyJacob]

No one is there on her mind,, except the man itself in that dining hall, Betty, she gave only once, that kind of jesture when he left her by saying go find another, i know how bad it would be to give that expression to her own man, Betty.

[JessyJacob]

he has sustained from childhood with three friends who are not that talkative and sister with less talking, but they loved him so much that he couldnt be away from them. Hope he feels the same with me too, well no one is boring until you talk to, the flow of words go with mild touch of talk.

[John the Baptist]

The speaker continues her journey to see her wounded soldier. We get a description of her quarters on the ship. Nothing special, just what she needs to get her to her destination. Things get interesting, though, when she is sitting alone in the dining room. A dark haired man is apparently trying to make eye contact with her, possibly with a smile on his face. She pretends to be indifferent. I don't think she is.

[Betty Hermelee]

Good guess John, thank you for a spot on review...
Warmly, B

[willweb]

Uh-oh, the plot thickens. Who is this who decides to step in at a time like this. This is getting very interesting and now...Hmmm. I wonder just how long she will sit alone not feel inclined to speak to strangers??? Keep it going Betty

[FGFRANKLIN]

The bridges we cross in life are usually burned the moment after. We can't reclaim the past or relive it, except in memories. But memories are often underrated. They bring us comfort and solace. They can make us smile with longing and love. Nostalgia can be a healing balm for a troublesome present and remembering how far we've come can grant us the courage to continue our journey. I enjoyed the encapsulation of this traveling scene; a photograph of what has been or might have been from the heart. To tell a story is to share a secret world giving vision to the listener or reader. I enjoyed my journey with you. And I adore the photo here as well, I love antiques and old photographs, quite surprised there isn't a wash basin and pitcher on the dressing table. I have an antique wash basin and ceramic pitcher that fit into a small dressing mirror. The same hanging wall stand also can hold a kerosene lantern. The mirror, reflecting the light at night, doubles the luminosity. Your write here was lovely and I enjoyed the read. F.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for a thoughtful review, much appreciated;
Warmly, B

[Betty Hermelee]

Actually its in the first person but not me!

[FGFRANKLIN]

I never make the assumption that any write, unless noted by the author, is an actual related experience or on a personal level. Imagine if folks thought Stephen King's books were actual events. (laughing) I still can't look at a St. Bernard without thinking about Cujo.

[W. Barrett Munn]

This is the PI sent by Scotland Yard to keep an eye on you. They think you’re trafficking.

[Betty Hermelee]

good guess, but no! And it's in third person, so it's not me!!! think again.....
Best, B