A RETROSPECTIVE

looking back

I swig down two glasses of sherry

and momentarily I am in utopia

my innards warm, my cheeks pink

my lips sweet and a bit sticky

yet my mind a lovely blur of  figures

dance before my eyes, my soldier’s

arms around me

we leave the hospital and walk into the fog

so not a soul shall see us

further, my fling with the gentleman

so unexpected, so genuine

 

The effects of the sherry fade and my mind

begins to focus with respect to my situation at hand

my eyes catch the clock hands which  are steady at eleven o’clock in the evening

now I am fully fueled to finish my packing

while I am in this modality, confused emotions

suffuse my brain

sometimes I wish the ship shall never dock

other moments I anticipate the debarkation

I think back to all the days on board

and I dare say this was an adventure

to be reminisced, the highs and the lows

 

One thing I discern, is that I have gained weight

yet who does not ? on a 14-day crossing?

three lovely meals per day, served immaculately

tasty and plentiful, an abundance of champagne

though not enough physical exercise

My clothes are rather tight

a full-blown diet is about to penetrate my belly

or maybe it could be something else?

I shall have to check the calendar

yet I shall not think about any other

possibilities at this moment

my head shall spin off its axis

at midnight slumber creeps over me

a satin coverlet is my partner tonight

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

SERIES:" AT BRIDGES END"
Thank you for reading

Reviews

[AYVID N]

Dear Betty,
Adored this read as its so different from the downcast mood she was experiencing, earlier. Here, she is happy, euphoric, fortified by all that lovely wine and is looking at the recent turn of events as a beautiful and exciting adventure. The past is past and look to the future with anticipation and hope.
The weight gain, of course, is a sinister and I wonder the reasons for it. I hope its just for obvious reasons such as the luxury and leisure of the ship journey.
I'm so enjoying this story!

[Betty Hermelee]

Dearest Divya...love your comments.... and you may get a big surprise coming...Thank you always for your astute and well written reviews, love them!
Warmly, B

[AYVID N]

You're most welcome!
I can't wait to read more. I'll look forward to more, dear Betty. Keep going.

[Chris Shaw]

Betty there are some wonderful lines here. I am intrigued by the weight gain and sincerely hope it is not permanent:) You tell a great story and you know how to keep your readers in suspense and coming back for more. Fabulous writing, so of that period in time. Loving it.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear Chris... than you so much for that splendid review, loved it.... happy weekend!
Warmly, B

[Neville]

I think maybe you are re-living (or re-writing) a previous life Betty .. and you do it so extraordinarily well .. write on my friend & always warmly .. Neville

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear Neville, no previous life, just ideas popping out of my head...thank you for a lovely reviewread moreDear Neville, no previous life, just ideas popping out of my head...thank you for a lovely review
Warmly, B

[Neville]

Bloomin amazing .. and always a pleasure Betty :)

[Betty Hermelee]

You're truly welcome!!!
Warmly, B

[Ladysue]

Betty, your story telling grasps the reader-full of rich imagery that reaches the senses. Poetically written.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you so much L.S..so glad you stopped by, a flattering review….
Warmly, B
I

[Anita Frader]

Really great storytelling. ❤🙂

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Anita, much appreciated
Warmly, B

[Anita Frader]

My pleasure, B! 💛

[Ken Simm.]

I feel this series has just gone from strength to strength. A rhapsodic romantic read.

[Betty Hermelee]

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

[Sami Khalil]

A mesmerizing, romantic story even for a short period of fun and sexual flings. Fog can surely hide but memories come out of the fog bright and clear.
Good story told with realistic expectations and experiences.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Sam for an intuitive review, much appreciated...
Warmly, B

[Sami Khalil]

Javajavaya! You are welcome Betty.

[Dave Brown]

I am inclined to think that in 14 days, any waistline expansion would most likely be a result of excessively good living, even though you did get some exercise, it was mostly of the romantic variety!!
Hopefully it is a mishandled, caloric expansion or your soldier could feel that doing a service for his love and country had only led to a romantic betrayal!!
Tsk!
Or perhaps, as possible tidbits' of dementia eat away at my aged core, I have missed something; warmly, BESTB

[Betty Hermelee]

DEAR DAVIE, thanks for you intuitive perspective and a romantic review!!!
Warmly, BESTB

[Pete]

you really know how to tell a story poetically with a little bit of everything - dreams, thoughts, love, passion, mystery, reality, and speculation. great "retrospective" ... :)

[Betty Hermelee]

WOW! Thank you Pete for that honorable review, I' flattered!
Warmly, B