THE LAST DAY

getting ready

After a lengthy slumber

I awaken with a smile on my face

perhaps a dream about my dear soldier

hence, my enthusiasm heightens

I shall walk the deck as soon as

I am bathed and dressed

 

I shall admire the frothy waves

and the rumble of the wake at the rear

the croaking sound of the seagulls

who bounce up and down

and swoop straight over my head

on a flirty dance

the smell of salty scented air on my skin

and the rays of the sun to keep me warm

 

In the meantime, I shall bathe in a tub of bubbles

and lather myself with lavender soap

In a fleeting moment I think back

to when the gentleman places rose petal cream

on my back and gently strokes my shoulders

yet that is in the past and I must now anticipate

a plentiful life with my soldier

 

I dress warm to keep the chill away

to my benefit my dress is loose fitting

I assuredly gained weight on this voyage

my belongings are packed and ready for

debarkation tomorrow

 

Before I venture to the deck

I consume breakfast in the main dining hall

on my way I happen upon the gentleman

In the main lobby

we hesitate to stop yet we carry out momentarily

only to smile and quietly whisper our farewells

he squeezes my hand and we part

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

photo by Travelblog.com
next in series: "AT BRIDGES END

Reviews

[Anita Frader]

There's no guilt or regret only respect and understanding. Needs fulfilled, onwards.
Romantic fantasy. I adore. You write beautifully.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Anita, much appreciated!
Warmly, B

[Anita Frader]

My pleasure 🙂

[Akinlolu]

Fare thee well, gentleman! Nothing permanent may have resulted from this momentary 'fling? ' but someone will continue to sing an ode to thee in their heart.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Akin for a thoughtful review!
Warmly, B

[Chris Shaw]

Oh Betty! Is this romantic adventure now over, to be confined to memory? I have so enjoyed your period, descriptive writing. Lovely work. Your posted image reminds me of the early 1900’s. It has a Titanic look, except of course that ship never made its destination.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear Chris...thank you for your kind review....the story is NOT over by any means...stay tuned there is more to come....
Warmly, B

[Chris Shaw]

I am so pleased to hear that there is more to come … :)) Have a great weekend Betty.

[Betty Hermelee]

you too!! have a great weekend!!!

[John the Baptist]

Well, this chapter of the young lady's life is almost over, and she's already putting it in the past. Now she's looking forward to a reunion with her soldier. She has a good sleep, a luxurious bath, and then goes to the dining room for breakfast. On the way she encounters the gentleman with whom she has recently shared more than friendship. There are smiles and farewells, and that's that. No bitterness or sorrow. Apparently no guilt, either. But of course, our deeds can have a way of keeping in touch with us.

[Betty Hermelee]

Yes they can John! Thank you kind,y for your thorough review!
Warmly, B

[Robert Trakofler]

I was hoping for an AI spoof LOL I don't get on the café as much as I used to:) but your cruise was a nice trip I once wrote a poem about a soldier coming home from war to his girl perpetually (because he was dead) I wonder if he was traveling to meet your girl on the ship?

[Betty Hermelee]

Perhaps...this is a continuing series, if you go back to others you'll understand it much better... thank you for visiting and reviewing my poem, much appreciated!
Warmly, B

[Dave Brown]

I wonder if she would let me know when she could be taking her next solo ship cruise, and possibly her cabin number
just wondering

[Betty Hermelee]

Not allowed!!!! But I thank you for your review DAVIE!
Warmly, B

[Stella Armour]

Oh Betty, your descriptive writing is so true to life and the images are vividly clear...

i wonder when this soldier is going to get home and hope he is not delayed, it might complicate things ... :)

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear Stella
Thank you so much for a lovely review, appreciate your words!
Warmly B

[Stella Armour]

Enjoying each and every episode. 😀

[Betty Hermelee]

I'm flattered!!!

[peter Charlesworth]

Oh yes my dear read like several voyages home > the vacation ended
In the distance the shrinking images of the last country
For tomorrow we will be in our own country, speaking out native language
It seems a lifetime past

There you story departs like your lover(?)
mine stayed with me

the picture and feelings are the same

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Peter for your kind review….. the protagonist is actually docking in London to see her wounded soldier…..we’ll see what happens!
Warmly, B

[peter Charlesworth]

I would love to know > I am an old nesy sod

I will sort out some nice wake pics > Leavin Torehaven 7 leaving Seydisfjordur leaving Rotterdam Ho travelling to Bilbao in a storm wave spray hitting the windos on laeve 8

[Poetic Beauty]

Memories and how gently loving or passionate they can be. I love the description of the sailing at sea with the sounds, memories and smells enhancing the vision you have painted. Well done with this tale of words

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you P.B. For a fine review, much appreciated
Warmly, B

[Poetic Beauty]

You are welcome. I love pieces that allow me to be transported somewhere else if even for a brief moment

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Ah a cruise dream how romantic
I’ve only ever been on one three nights but partner refuses another so maybe have to keep it for dreams

Loved this

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you so much Julie, a means to an end and we’ll see what transpires….
Warmly, B